Swivel Coupling for High-Voltage Interrupter-Conductor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling systems for conductor to interrupter connections in high voltage circuit breakers face challenges in maintaining consistent contact between the conductor and the circuit interrupter, leading to inefficiencies in electrical and mechanical attachment.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system that includes a connector with a receptacle and a swivel member, secured by a pin and fastener, which allows for secure axial and rotational alignment of the conductor rod to the interrupter, utilizing an electrical contact, such as a flexible bracelet, to ensure reliable electrical and mechanical linkage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known clamping methods are used to attach the conductor to the circuit interrupter connection, then the attachment can be made, but the desired contact between the conductor and the circuit interrupter connection cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidattachment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system incorporates a swivel member that allows dynamic adjustment and self-alignment of the conductor rod with the circuit interrupter connection. This dynamic mechanism ensures consistent contact by accommodating minor misalignments and movements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable contact and avoiding overly complex fixed attachment structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system acts as an intermediary component between the conductor rod and the circuit interrupter connection. It includes a receptacle that receives the conductor rod end and a swivel member that mediates the connection, ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical contact while simplifying the overall attachment structure compared to direct clamping methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a secure connection is achieved between the conductor and interrupter, then electrical and mechanical stability is improved, but the complexity of the coupling system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidcoupling system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a receptacle for receiving the conductor rod end, a swivel member for alignment and connection, and a pin for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving strong mechanical stability while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3893260B1Coupling system for interrupter-conductor connection in high voltage circuit breakers
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3893260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3893260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3893260B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A coupling system for securing an elongated rod to a connector that links the elongated rod to a device, and methods therefor, are disclosed herein. The coupling system includes a swivel member pinned in a receptacle of the connector, and a fastener secured to the swivel member. The elongated rod is secured to the fastener. The elongated rod may be a conductor rod and the device may be an interrupter for a circuit breaker.