Triple Cam Link for Selective High Voltage Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable connector systems for high or medium voltage switchgear lack a secure and easily selectable mechanism for connecting multiple power cables while ensuring isolation of non-linked connectors, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns during operation.
Innovation Solution
A triple cam-operated link connector assembly that includes a mounting panel with shelf-like structures, cam-operated link support legs, and bushing extenders, allowing for selective connection between two out of three power cables while maintaining the third cable in isolation, with a mechanism for secure clamping and visual confirmation of electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional link connector is used to connect power cables, then the connection can be established, but the mechanism for selective connection and isolation of multiple cables is insufficient and lacks visual confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The link connector is divided into multiple independent cam mechanisms (first cam, second cam, third cam), each controlling a separate contact assembly. This segmentation allows selective connection of different cable combinations while maintaining isolation of non-linked connectors, directly addressing the need for adaptable selective connection capability while ensuring reliable isolation through physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators including colored tags or markings on the cam mechanisms and contact assemblies to provide visual confirmation of the connection state. This allows operators to quickly identify which cables are connected and which are isolated, enhancing both the selective connection capability and operational reliability through immediate visual verification.
2Productivity
If manual connection methods are used for power cables, then the system is simple, but the operation efficiency and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanisms are designed to be rotatable between different positions, enabling dynamic switching between various connection configurations. The cams can be rotated to connect different combinations of cables (first and second, first and third, or second and third), significantly improving connection efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-operated mechanism provides self-locking functionality where the cam's rotational position automatically secures the connection without requiring additional fastening steps. The mechanical design ensures that when the cam is rotated to a connection position, it automatically engages and maintains the connection, reducing operational complexity while enhancing connection efficiency.
3Reliability
If isolation of non-linked connectors is not provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but safety concerns arise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The link connector is divided into multiple independent cam mechanisms (first cam, second cam, third cam), each controlling a separate contact assembly. This segmentation allows selective connection of different cable combinations while maintaining isolation of non-linked connectors, directly addressing the need for adaptable selective connection capability while ensuring reliable isolation through physical separation.
4Reliability
If visual confirmation mechanism is added to the link connector, then operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators including colored tags or markings on the cam mechanisms and contact assemblies to provide visual confirmation of the connection state. This allows operators to quickly identify which cables are connected and which are isolated, enhancing both the selective connection capability and operational reliability through immediate visual verification.
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
The solution provides a secure, efficient, and visually confirmable method for selectively connecting power cables, ensuring safe and reliable operation by allowing easy switching between different connection modes and maintaining isolation of non-linked cables, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A triple cam-operated link connector assembly that includes a mounting panel with shelf-like structures, cam-operated link support legs
Implementation Method 2
designed to ensure that the link is securely connected to the power cables, usually via a torque-applied clamping action
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage link apparatus may include a link assembly that includes an insulated bushing portion; a first feed thru junction bushing portion; and a second feed thru junction bushing portion. The insulated bushing portion is electrically isolated from the first feed thru junction bushing portion and the second feed thru junction bushing portion. The first feed thru junction bushing portion is conductively coupled to the second feed thru junction bushing portion. First, second, and third bushing interfaces are provided for conductively coupling to first, second, and third power cables, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third bushing interfaces include link receiving portions configured to receive the link assembly therein. The link assembly is installable in the first, second, and third bushing interfaces in first and second, reversible orientations.