Transformer Feedthrough Insulation with Curved Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage transformer caps face manufacturing difficulties and suboptimal insulation due to the use of spacer blocks and sharp edges, leading to poor electrical connection and stability issues with shielding tubes.

Innovation Solution

A cap design featuring a non-positively adjustable connecting device with angular adjustability and a modular system, utilizing a teardrop-shaped electrode and flexible insulation rings with a flattened waveform to improve manufacturing ease and insulation capacity, while avoiding sharp edges and accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spacer blocks and insulation rings are used to space apart isolation barriers, then the barriers are mechanically supported, but manufacturing complexity increases and insulation performance deteriorates due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical support of isolation barriersVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes spacer blocks and insulation rings from the system entirely. Instead of adding supporting components, the isolation barriers are designed to be self-supporting through their own structural features, eliminating the need for separate spacing mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs rounded and curved surfaces on the isolation barriers instead of sharp edges. The barriers feature smooth transitions and curved geometries that eliminate stress concentration points, improving both mechanical strength and insulation performance while simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If spacer blocks with sharp edges are used for spacing, then mechanical support is provided, but insulation capability deteriorates in high voltage gradient areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical supportVSAvoidinsulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation barriers are designed with entirely rounded surfaces and curved geometries, eliminating sharp edges that would create high electric field gradients. The smooth transitions and curved profiles distribute electrical stress evenly, maintaining high insulation capability while providing adequate mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid mechanical connection is used between shielding tube and dome, then stability is improved, but manufacturing tolerances cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidtolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic connection mechanism between the shielding tube and dome that allows for angular adjustment. This dynamic interface can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and misalignments while maintaining stable electrical connection, combining the benefits of both rigid stability and flexible adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If higher forces are applied to fix components in desired position, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rounded surfaces and curved geometries of the isolation barriers provide natural mechanical support and positioning without requiring high assembly forces. The smooth profiles enable components to be positioned and secured gently, reducing manufacturing complexity and risk of damage while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2442319B1Feedthrough for high voltage discharge lines in oil transformers
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2442319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442319B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2442319B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The calotte has a hollow-cylindrical electrically conductive element arranged around an axis. Isolation barriers are adapted to a form of the hollow-cylindrical element, and include flanged socket supports for feedthrough of a shielding pipe to connection devices (100a, 100b). The connection devices have a part (104) connected with the pipe and another part (102) connected with the hollow-cylindrical element. The connection devices establish force-fitting adjustable connection between the parts.