Vacuum Parallel Switch Structure for High-Voltage Insulation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum parallel switch devices for environmentally-friendly ring main units face challenges with weak insulation and high risk of breakdown at higher voltage levels, particularly in 24 kV and above, due to undesirable electric fields and rotary isolating switch structures.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum parallel switch device incorporating a direct-acting isolating switch and a parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber, utilizing a linear motion mechanism with a rotating conductor assembly and cam transmission for opening and closing, ensuring stable insulation and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotary isolating switch with a vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber is used, then the device achieves a small volume and low cost, but the electric field becomes undesirable and insulation weakens at higher voltage levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional rotary isolating switch structure by using a linear motion isolating switch instead. The moving isolating contact moves linearly along the bus rather than rotating, which fundamentally changes the electric field distribution and eliminates the undesirable electric field concentrations associated with rotary structures at higher voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the switch device into distinct functional components: a linear motion isolating switch for isolation functions and a parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber for breaking functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the linear motion structure providing better insulation characteristics while the vacuum chamber handles arc extinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a linear motion mechanism with cam transmission is used, then the structure becomes compact and insulation is stabilized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the isolating switch and vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber into a single integrated device with shared components. The linear motion mechanism drives both the isolating contact and the vacuum chamber simultaneously, consolidating functions into one compact structure rather than separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear motion mechanism serves multiple functions: it drives the moving isolating contact for isolation, operates the parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber for breaking, and coordinates both operations through a single actuation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining insulation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides improved insulation and reduces the risk of breakdown, achieving a simple and compact structure suitable for higher voltage levels with enhanced reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber connected to an other end of the bus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum arc extinction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the insulating rotating member, the rotating support shaft, and the moving end of the parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber cooperate by way of cam transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam transmission: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP4579707A1Vacuum parallel switch device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HENAN PINGGAO ELECTRIC
  • EP4579707A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4579707A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4579707A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a vacuum parallel switch device, including: a main electrically-conductive loop, including an incoming line terminal bus, a bus connected to the incoming line terminal bus, a fixed isolating contact connected to an end of the bus, and a moving isolating contact assembly mating with the fixed isolating contact; and a vacuum parallel loop, including the incoming line terminal bus, the bus connected to the incoming line terminal bus, and a parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber connected to an other end of the bus, where a rotating conductor assembly is connected to a moving end of the parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber through a flexible connection, the rotating conductor assembly is connected to a lead-out conductor of the moving isolating contact assembly, and the moving end of the parallel vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber is driven through an insulating rotating member to implement opening or closing.