Transformer Bushing Compartment for High Current Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of electrical transformers limits the available space for bushing arrangements, particularly in high current applications, where additional connections are needed, and the side-mounted bushing compartments increase shipping dimensions and expose connectors to damage.

Innovation Solution

The transformer design features a two-level bushing assembly with the primary bushing on the cover and a supplementary bushing compartment on the side wall, allowing for additional high current connections without significantly increasing the transformer's shipping dimensions, using a sealed opening on the side wall for the compartment and flexible conductors for inner connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bushing compartment is arranged on the cover of the tank, then electrical connection is easy and space for connections is available, but the available space is limited for additional high current connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection easeVSAvoidspace for additional connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-level bushing arrangement on the cover to a two-level arrangement by attaching a bushing compartment to the side wall. This vertical/dimensional extension provides additional space for high current connections while preserving the original cover-mounted bushings for standard connections, thereby resolving the space limitation without compromising electrical connection ease.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bushing compartment is arranged on the side portion of the tank, then additional connection space is available, but shipping dimensions increase and connectors are exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for additional connectionsVSAvoidconnector exposure to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing compartment is designed as a nested structure attached to the side wall, containing its own internal bushings and connections within a protected enclosure. This nesting approach provides additional connection space while shielding the connectors from external damage, as they are housed within the compartment rather than exposed on the external surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a side-mounted bushing compartment is added, then additional high current connections are possible, but the shipping dimensions of the transformer increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh current connection capabilityVSAvoidshipping dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing compartment is designed as a localized addition to the side wall rather than a full-side extension. By concentrating the additional connection capability in a compact, targeted compartment rather than expanding the entire transformer housing, the invention achieves high current connection capability while minimizing the increase in overall shipping dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2850624B1Transformer with bushing compartment
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2850624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2850624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2850624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electrical transformer, comprising: a tank (2) having sidewall portions (3), a cover (4) and a bottom portion (5), whereby the cover (4) is carrying a first bushing assembly (6) and wherein a side portion (3) has an opening (8); a magnetic core (9) and a winding assembly (10) disposed in the tank (2); a bushing compartment (11) attached on the side wall portion (3) and disposed to seal the opening (8); said bushing compartment (11) having sidewalls (12), a cover (13) and a bottom portion (14), whereby the bottom portion (14) of said bushing compartment (11) having a second opening (15) therein for receiving an second bushing assembly (16), said second bushing assembly (16) having electrical conductor means (17) being mounted through the second opening (15) and having first terminals (18) being encased and electrically connected with the winding assembly (10) and second terminals (19) remaining outside of the bottom portion (14) of said bushing compartment (11).