Submersible Network Protector Enclosure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible network protector enclosures are often too large for confined underground structures, leading to the use of non-submersible enclosures with sump pumps that are prone to malfunction during extreme flooding conditions, such as tidal flooding.
Innovation Solution
A submersible enclosure design featuring a cabinet body with sealed electrodes, pivotable doors with gaskets for a watertight seal, and a locking mechanism to secure the doors, allowing the enclosure to withstand water ingress up to 25 feet deep, while accommodating a network protector and facilitating heat dissipation through radiating fins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If non-submersible enclosures are used in confined underground structures, then the enclosure size requirement is satisfied, but the enclosure cannot withstand water ingress during flooding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple segments including a cabinet body, first door, and second door that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the enclosure to fit into confined spaces while maintaining waterproof integrity through sealed joints between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Gaskets are used as flexible sealing elements between the cabinet body and doors. These gaskets deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining a waterproof seal, enabling the enclosure to withstand water ingress without compromising the internal components.
2Reliability
If submersible enclosures are used to withstand water ingress, then the waterproof capability is improved, but the enclosure size becomes too large for confined underground structures
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple segments including a cabinet body, first door, and second door that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the enclosure to fit into confined spaces while maintaining waterproof integrity through sealed joints between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Gaskets are used as flexible sealing elements between the cabinet body and doors. These gaskets deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining a waterproof seal, enabling the enclosure to withstand water ingress without compromising the internal components.
3Volume of moving object
If sump pumps are installed in non-submersible enclosures to prevent flooding, then the enclosure can be used in confined spaces, but the system reliability decreases due to pump malfunction during extreme flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The sump pump and associated flood prevention systems are eliminated entirely. Instead, the enclosure itself is designed to be inherently waterproof and submersible, removing the vulnerable mechanical components that could fail during extreme flooding events.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure provides passive flood protection through its waterproof design without requiring active mechanical systems. The sealed construction automatically prevents water ingress during flooding conditions without needing pumps or other energy-consuming devices.
4Reliability
If multiple gaskets with conformal shapes are used to ensure watertight seal, then the waterproof capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gaskets are used as flexible sealing elements between the cabinet body and doors. These gaskets deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining a waterproof seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines multiple gasket materials with different properties (such as rubber for flexibility and foam for compression) to achieve reliable sealing. This composite approach ensures waterproofing while managing the complexity through material selection rather than mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The enclosure provides a reliable, water-tight solution for submerging network protectors in confined spaces, preventing flooding damage and ensuring operational safety during extreme conditions by maintaining a watertight seal and allowing for easy access and enhanced heat management.
Implementation Method 1
A first gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the first door, and a second gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the second door. At least a portion of the first gasket and the second gasket have conformal shapes that sealingly mate with each other when the first and second doors are in a closed position.
Implementation Method 2
facilitating heat dissipation through radiating fins
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for a network protector in an electrical distribution network includes a cabinet body that defines an interior region that accepts the network protector. The cabinet body three electrodes sealed with and electrically isolated from the cabinet body and each other, which extend through the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between corresponding terminals of the network protector and the electrical distribution network. First and second doors are pivotably connected to opposing sides of the cabinet body and have respective contact surfaces to seal against the cabinet body. A first gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the first door, and a second gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the second door. At least a portion of the first gasket and the second gasket have conformal shapes that sealingly mate with each other when the first and second doors are in a closed position.