Gas-Insulated Switching Device Height Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas-insulated switching apparatuses of the three-phase-isolated type face challenges in reducing their height due to the placement of grounding switches above connection buses, which increases the overall height of the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus is designed with two sets of main buses extending in parallel at identical heights, with connection buses interconnecting them and divergence buses diverging downward, allowing the grounding switch to be positioned below the main buses, thereby reducing the overall height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If grounding switches are disposed above the connection buses, then the grounding switch can be easily accessed and operated, but the height of the gas-insulated switching apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of grounding switchVSAvoidheight of apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the grounding switch below the connection bus rather than above it. Specifically, the grounding switch is disposed below the first connection bus, which interconnects the first main buses, thereby reducing the overall height of the apparatus while maintaining operational functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent redistributes components vertically across multiple levels. The grounding switch is placed at a lower elevation than the connection bus, creating a multi-level vertical arrangement that optimizes space utilization and reduces the apparatus height while preserving accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the apparatus height is reduced for easier transportation, then transportation and installation costs decrease, but the placement of grounding switches becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of apparatusVSAvoidgrounding switch placement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the placement constraint by inverting the conventional positioning logic. Instead of placing the grounding switch above the connection bus (which increases height), it positions the grounding switch below the connection bus, thereby achieving height reduction without compromising placement flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the apparatus into distinct vertical zones: the upper zone contains the main buses and connection buses, while the lower zone accommodates the grounding switches. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone, enabling height reduction while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3214710B1Gas-insulated switching device
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3214710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3214710B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gas-insulated switching apparatus (101) of a three-phase-isolated type includes: two first main buses (11a) and (21a) extending in parallel at an identical height; a first connection bus (31a) interconnecting the first main buses (11a) and (21a); a first divergence bus (41a) diverging downward from the first connection bus (31a); and a first circuit breaker (53) connected to the first divergence bus (41a), wherein a connection portion (60) between the first connection bus (31a) and the first divergence bus (41a) is disposed at a position lower than the height at which the first main buses (11a) and (21a) extend, and a grounding switch (52a) is disposed above the connection portion (60) between the first connection bus (31a) and the first divergence bus (41a).