Unitized HV Switch Assembly with Cantilevered Insulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional high voltage switchgear assemblies require large phase over phase spacing due to structural braces at electrical ground potential, leading to increased space and time requirements for installation, and use of torsional drives that cause 'wind-up' issues and random switching sequences.

Innovation Solution

A unitized phase over phase two-way or three-way switch assembly with pre-mounted switches on a beam, utilizing a 'push-pull' mechanical linkage and cantilevered cylindrical insulators, eliminating the need for support braces and allowing for factory adjustment, reducing electrical clearance and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If structural braces are used to support the switch assembly, then mechanical stability is improved, but phase spacing increases and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidphase spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the structural braces from the switch assembly design. By eliminating these ground-potential braces, the assembly achieves compact phase spacing without requiring large clearance distances, directly resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and phase spacing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a braced structural support system to a cantilevered support system where cylindrical insulators extend horizontally from the pole. This dimensional change in the support architecture eliminates the need for braces while maintaining stability and reducing phase spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If structural braces are used to support the switch assembly, then mechanical stability is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the braces entirely from the design, the patent eliminates the time-consuming installation and adjustment of brace structures, directly reducing installation time while maintaining stability through the alternative cantilevered insulator support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If torsional drives are used for switching, then mechanical simplicity is improved, but switching sequence accuracy deteriorates due to wind-up issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical simplicityVSAvoidswitching sequence accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the torsional drive mechanism with a push-pull mechanical linkage system. This substitution eliminates the wind-up problems inherent in torsional drives, providing accurate and consistent switching sequences while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the straightforward push-pull action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If switches are installed separately in the field, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite condition adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unitized assembly where all switches are pre-assembled and pre-adjusted on a common beam in the factory before shipment. This preliminary action at the factory eliminates time-consuming field installation and adjustment work, while the modular unitized design maintains adaptability to various site conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple switches onto a single unitized assembly with a common beam structure. This merging of components into one integrated unit simplifies installation to a single operation while maintaining the flexibility needed for different site configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9355797B1Unitized phase over phase two-way or three-way high voltage switch assembly with one vacuum interrupter per phase

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 CLEAVELANDPRICE ENTERPRISES

AI summary

Switch gear for interconnecting a plurality of power transmission lines including a number of high voltage switches arranged in three phases for routing power in multiple directions. The switches are pre-mounted on a beam to form a three phase unit as a unitized assembly which is attached in the field to a vertical support structure. Each phase includes a vertical break switch and two side break switches for a three-way switch. For a two-way, each phase includes two side break switches. The vertical break switch and the two side break switches for each phase are operatively and electrically connected to a common electric power interrupter. The unitized assembly for each phase has the insulators and power interrupter arranged in cantilevered horizontal relationship with the beam which is attached to the vertical support structure. Operating links between phases are operatively connected in a push-pull relationship with the high voltage outdoor electric switches.