Flexible Deaeration Tool for Switchgear Connection Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switchgear connection devices fail to effectively remove air from the connection section, leading to air reservoir formation and degradation of insulation properties due to increased air pressure, which compromises the electrical insulation and reliability of the solid-insulated busbar connection section.

Innovation Solution

A deaeration tool with a flexible tubular body, air vent hole, suction device attachment/detachment section, and a suction port is used to discharge air from the connection section without damaging the equipment, ensuring the insulation property is maintained by reducing air pressure to atmospheric levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the first electrical equipment and the second electrical equipment are pressed against each other to achieve tight attachment, then the connection strength is improved, but air pressure increases and air reservoir is produced between the outer wall surface of the connection section and the inner wall surface of the connection surface, degrading insulation property

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinsulation property
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deaeration tool is inserted into the connection section before the pressing operation to establish an air discharge path in advance. This preliminary action ensures that air can escape during the pressing process, preventing air reservoir formation and maintaining insulation properties while achieving tight attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deaeration tool acts as an intermediary element between the first and second electrical equipment during the pressing operation. It provides a controlled channel for air to escape from the connection section, mediating between the need for tight attachment and the need to maintain low air pressure for insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If air is removed from the connection section to maintain insulation property, then the insulation property is improved, but additional equipment and process steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation propertyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deaeration function is merged with the connection process by integrating the air discharge path creation into the pressing operation itself. The deaeration tool is inserted and used concurrently with the pressing action, combining two functions (deaeration and connection) into a single integrated process step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection section itself provides the air discharge path through the deaeration tool insertion, making the system self-servicing for deaeration. The structure of the connection section, when combined with the deaeration tool, automatically creates the necessary air escape route without requiring separate external deaeration equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 deaeration tool effectively removes air from the connection section, preventing insulation degradation and ensuring reliable electrical connections by maintaining atmospheric pressure, thus enhancing the insulation properties and operational reliability of the switchgear equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a suction port (17) which communicates with the through hole (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3331112B1Deaeration tool, and switch gear electrical apparatus manufacturing method using deaeration tool
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3331112B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3331112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3331112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A deaeration tool (1) that can easily discharge air in a connection section of switchgear electrical equipment is disclosed. The deaeration tool (1) includes: a tubular body (5) that has flexibility and is formed with an air vent hole (8) therein; a base (7) that is formed at one end of the body (5) and has a suction device attachment/detachment section (11) to/from which a suction device (13) can be attached/detached; and a tip (6) that is formed at the other end of the body (5) on an opposite side from the base (7) and has a suction port (17).