Switchgear Safety Valve for Barrier Plate Overpressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure barrier plates in switchgear are vulnerable to damage during transportation due to reduced pressure withstand capability when not mounted with a counter flange, and prior solutions involving additional flange rings increase costs and impact layout dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A safety valve with a longitudinal sleeve, pin, and compression springs that maintain pressure integrity during transportation by allowing gas release when overpressure occurs, and reseal when pressure normalizes, without requiring additional flange rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an additional flange ring is used to hold the barrier plate during transportation, then the pressure withstand capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure withstand capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of the flange ring (providing support during transportation) and implements it through a simpler mechanism: a support element that engages with a recess in the barrier plate. This eliminates the need for the complex additional flange ring structure while maintaining the pressure withstand capability during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that is easily replaceable. It serves its purpose during transportation and can be removed or replaced without affecting the permanent flange structure, effectively acting as a temporary solution for the transportation phase only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If an additional flange ring is mounted on the flange, then the barrier plate can maintain full design pressure, but the layout dimensions are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure withstand capabilityVSAvoidlayout dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is nested within the existing flange structure and engages with a recess in the barrier plate itself. This nested arrangement allows the support function to be integrated into the existing dimensions without adding external protrusions that would increase the overall layout footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the barrier plate is mounted on one flange without counter flange during transportation, then the assembly is simplified, but the pressure withstand capability is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidpressure withstand capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support element acts as an intermediary component that provides the missing support function when the counter flange is absent during transportation. It mediates between the single flange and the barrier plate, enabling the simplified assembly configuration to temporarily achieve adequate pressure withstand capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents damage to pressure barrier plates during transportation and assembly, maintaining pressure integrity without additional costs or layout disruptions, and ensuring safe operation under varying pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one compression spring surrounding said pin, in compression between said sleeve and said pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4687240A1Overpressure relief device for switchgear
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP4687240A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687240A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4687240A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a safety valve for a pressure barrier plate (7) of a gas insulated switchgear, comprising a longitudinal sleeve (2) extending along an axis (AA') and having a 1st end (23) and a 2rd end (25), a pin (1) extending in said sleeve between a 1st end (11) and a 2nd end (13), said 1st end (11) of said pin bearing a 1st end cap (10), said 2nd end (13) of said pin bearing a 2nd end cap (3), a 1st compression spring (4) in a 1st compartment (28) inside said sleeve, a 2nd compression spring (5) in a 2nd compartment (29) inside said sleeve, said 1st spring (4) and said 2nd spring (5) respectively pushing said 2nd end cap (3) and said 1st end cap (10) towards opposite directions along said axis (AA').