Telescoping Cantilevered Base for High Voltage Switch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage unitized switch assemblies are too wide to be legally shipped on U.S. public roads, requiring special permits and equipment for transportation.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping cantilevered base structure with friction-reducing components, such as ball bearings, allows the switch assembly to collapse for shipping and expand for installation, reducing the maximum width and eliminating the need for cranes or jacking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch assembly is designed with a fixed wide structure to accommodate high voltage requirements, then the electrical performance is improved, but the transportation legality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is designed with telescoping sections that allow it to dynamically change width between a wide operational configuration for high voltage electrical performance and a narrow collapsed configuration for legal road transportation. The base includes multiple telescoping sections with locking mechanisms that enable adjustment between extended and retracted positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently extend and retract. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact form for transportation while maintaining the ability to extend to the required width for operational electrical performance when assembled at the destination.
2Productivity
If the switch assembly is designed as a unitized structure for quick installation, then the installation speed is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping base sections incorporate manual extension and retraction mechanisms that simplify operation while maintaining structural complexity only where necessary for the collapsing function. The unitized switch assembly remains relatively simple while the base provides the dynamic collapsing capability.
3Ease of operation
If heavy-duty cranes and jacking devices are used for installation, then the installation capability is improved, but the installation cost and complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping base structure is designed to be manually extended and retracted by installation workers without requiring heavy-duty cranes or jacking devices. The self-supporting nature of the telescoping mechanism allows the assembly to be positioned and installed using only manual effort and basic tools.
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
Enables legal truck shipment and simplified manual installation of three-phase high voltage switch assemblies, reducing installation complexity and costs by allowing manual operation and compliance with width regulations.
Implementation Method 1
A telescoping cantilevered base structure with friction-reducing components, such as ball bearings
Data Source
AI summary
Switch gear for interconnecting a plurality of power transmission lines including a number of high voltage switches arranged in three phase unitized relationship for routing power in one or multiple directions. The switches are pre-mounted on a beam to form a unitized assembly which is attached in the field to a vertical support structure or substation structure. The unitized assembly includes a telescoping base design that permits the width of the unitized assembly to be reduced so that the assembly can be transported by truck to the installation site and then the switch assembly may be extended to the final width for installation at the site. The telescopic base design is preferably cantilevered and includes free rolling capability for easily manually reducing or expanding the width of the unitized assembly when the beam is lying on a ground surface.