Three-position switch integrated with current transformer core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-position switches for medium or high-voltage switchgear require significant space due to the arrangement of components on the circumference of the housing, limiting installation options and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A three-position switch design featuring a displaceable sleeve contact part that slides on a pin-shaped or tubular connection piece, integrated within a current transformer core, allowing for compact assembly and reduced overall space requirements, with the contact part being guided on the second connection piece for enhanced reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If components are arranged on the circumference of the housing, then connection accessibility is improved, but the overall space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accessibilityVSAvoidoverall space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the three-position switch with the current transformer core by integrating the switch housing within the transformer core structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate circumferential component arrangements, reducing overall space while maintaining electrical connection accessibility through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the displaceable contact part is guided on the second connection piece, then functional reliability is improved, but construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second connection piece serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a guide for the displaceable contact part. This multi-functionality ensures reliable contact guidance while avoiding the need for separate guiding components, thereby reducing construction complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the three-position switch is integrated within the current transformer core, then space requirement is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated assembly is divided into modular segments: the current transformer core, the switch housing, and the connection pieces are designed as separable modules that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the space-saving integrated configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1845540B1Three-position switch in particular for middle- or high voltage switchgear
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 ALSTOM GRID
  • EP1845540B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The switch has an electrically earthed housing (13) comprising two front sides (S1, S2), and two connection pieces (24, 34). A contact part is displaceable along an axis (A) and provided for electrically connecting one of the connection pieces with the housing. The front sides are arranged transverse to the axis, and the connection pieces are connected with an electrical conductor at the respective front sides. A current transformer core is arranged at the circumference of the housing.