Tap Selector Current Collector Arm Segmentation for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of tap selectors for tap changers is complicated due to the length of current collector arms, which obstruct the insertion of components into insulating cylinders, leading to mechanical weakness when attempting to avoid these obstructions.

Innovation Solution

Dividing current collector arms into two separate parts, an inner part connected to moving contacts and an outer part connected to the conductor, allows for easier assembly by inserting the inner part first and attaching the outer part later, with a cylindrical insulating wall and screw joints for secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If current collector arms are made long to connect moving contacts to conductors outside the insulating cylinder, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly becomes problematic and mechanically weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent collector arm lengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector arm is divided into two separate parts: an inner part that connects to the moving contact and an outer part that connects to the conductor. This segmentation allows the inner part to be assembled first within the insulating cylinder, avoiding assembly problems caused by long current collector arms, while the outer part is attached later to complete the electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If current collector arms are made long to reach conductors outside the insulating cylinder, then electrical connection is established, but mechanical strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent collector arm lengthVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the current collector arm into inner and outer parts, each part can be optimized for its specific function. The inner part maintains sufficient length for electrical connection while the outer part provides structural support, collectively achieving both electrical connectivity and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner part and outer part of the current collector arm are combined through joining means to form a complete current collector arm assembly. This merging allows the two parts to work together, with the inner part providing electrical connection and the outer part reinforcing mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If current collector arms are divided into two parts, then assembly becomes easier, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector arm is divided into an inner part and an outer part that can be assembled separately. The inner part is attached to the moving contact first, followed by the outer part, enabling easier assembly without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner part of the current collector arm is prepared and attached to the moving contact in advance, before the outer part is attached. This preliminary action simplifies the assembly process by pre-positioning critical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2637186B1A tap selector and a method for assembling a tap selector
Publication Date: 2014.09.17 ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP2637186B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2637186B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2637186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a tap selector for a tap changer. The tap selector includes a plurality of moving contacts (31). Each moving contact (31) is electrically connected to a respective current collector arm (32) and each current collector arm (32) is electrically connected to a conductor for electrical connection with a diverter switch. According to the invention each of at least some of the current collector arms (32) is assembled from two separate parts (32a, 32b) joined together. One of these is an inner part (32a) that is electrically connected to a respective moving contact (31). The other one is an outer part (32b) that is electrically connected to the conductor. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a tap selector.