Vacuum Switch Supporting Cage Design for Mechanical Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum switches, particularly outdoor switches, face challenges in protecting and supporting vacuum interrupters due to their low mechanical bending resistance, often requiring additional insulation and support structures.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum switch design featuring two spaced bases and rod-like supporting elements forming a cage around the vacuum interrupter, which provides mechanical protection and eliminates the need for additional insulation, with optional features like oblique or crossing supporting elements, insulating materials, and a folding bellows for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vacuum interrupter is protected by a hollow insulator as in conventional outdoor switches, then the mechanical protection is improved, but the device complexity and the need for additional insulating structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supporting function and the insulating function into a single integrated structure. The supporting elements are made of electrically insulating material, so they simultaneously provide mechanical support for the vacuum interrupter and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate hollow insulator structures used in conventional outdoor switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support to the vacuum interrupter, provide electrical insulation between conductive parts, and form part of the overall structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed compared to conventional designs that use separate insulating structures.
2Reliability
If additional insulating structures are used to protect the vacuum interrupter, then the electrical insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supporting function and the insulating function into a single integrated structure. The supporting elements are made of electrically insulating material, so they simultaneously provide mechanical support for the vacuum interrupter and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate hollow insulator structures used in conventional outdoor switches.
3Strength
If the supporting elements run obliquely or cross over, then the mechanical strength of the supporting cage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting elements are arranged obliquely rather than vertically, creating an asymmetric configuration that enhances the mechanical strength and stability of the supporting cage. This oblique arrangement distributes mechanical loads more effectively across the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting elements are arranged to cross over each other in three-dimensional space, utilizing the spatial dimension to create a more robust cage structure. This crossing arrangement adds structural rigidity and prevents deformation under mechanical loading.
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
Enhances the mechanical strength and protection of the vacuum interrupter, simplifies the insulating casing design, and prevents electrical interference, making the switch suitable for outdoor use without the need for additional insulating gas.
Implementation Method 1
The folding bellows advantageously seals off the interior of the vacuum interrupter from the gas chamber
Implementation Method 2
The seal advantageously seals off the region between the floor of the vacuum interrupter and the second base against gas escaping from the gas chamber
Implementation Method 3
A further refinement of the invention makes provision for the supporting elements to be manufactured from an electrically insulating material. This advantageously prevents the supporting elements transmitting electrical voltages or currents between the bases
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum switch includes two mutually spaced apart bases and a vacuum interrupter disposed between the bases and connected to the bases. A first switching element is disposed in the vacuum interrupter. A second switching element is movable between a first switching position, in which the second switching element galvanically or electrically conductively contacts the first switching element, and a second switching position, in which the second switching element is separated from the first switching element. Each of a plurality of rod-shaped supporting elements has a first end section connected to the first base and a second end section connected to the second base. The bases and the support elements form a support cage which surrounds and supports the vacuum interrupter.