Vacuum Valve Pressure Monitoring via Insulating Frame Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure diagnosis devices for vacuum valves face issues with degradation of insulation performance due to exposed external electrodes, leading to potential dielectric breakdown, and increasing the distance between electrodes results in unnecessary valve lengthening.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum valve pressure monitoring device is integrated into a vacuum breaker with a main circuit opening/closing part and an insulating frame, featuring a first electrode grounded via impedance and a second electrode grounded via a switch, allowing for potential measurement between the two electrodes to monitor internal pressure degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the external electrode is exposed from the outside container wall for vacuum down detection, then the detection function is achieved, but the insulation performance degrades due to potential dielectric breakdown between end plates and external electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating frame as an intermediary component between the external electrode and the vacuum valve end plates. This insulating frame prevents direct electrical contact and potential dielectric breakdown, thereby maintaining insulation reliability while still allowing the external electrode to perform vacuum down detection through the container wall.
2Reliability
If the distance between end plates and external electrode is increased to prevent dielectric breakdown, then the insulation reliability is improved, but the total length of the vacuum valve is increased more than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length constraint by changing the spatial arrangement from increasing axial distance to using radial/ lateral positioning through the insulating frame. The insulating frame allows the external electrode to be positioned laterally offset from the end plates while maintaining adequate insulation distance, thus preventing dielectric breakdown without extending the vacuum valve's total length.
3Length of moving object
If the external electrode is positioned close to end plates for compact design, then the valve length is reduced, but the insulation performance degrades due to risk of dielectric breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating frame serves as a protective intermediary that enables compact positioning of the external electrode near the end plates without compromising insulation reliability. The frame physically separates the electrode from the conductive end plates, preventing dielectric breakdown even when the lateral distance is minimized for compact design.
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
This configuration enhances electrical insulation reliability and allows for downsizing of the vacuum valve while maintaining accurate pressure diagnosis, preventing dielectric breakdown and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
a potential measuring device connected in between the impedance and the first electrode... monitor the degradation of internal pressure of the vacuum valve by taking measurement of a potential between two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode disposed on one side surface of the insulating frame and grounded via an impedance
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a vacuum valve pressure diagnosis device for an opening/closing device equipped with a vacuum valve, the diagnosis device which permits downsizing of the vacuum valve and achieves enhanced safety and reliability. Accordingly, the vacuum valve pressure monitoring device is disposed in a vacuum breaker including: a main circuit opening/closing part including the vacuum valve and an insulating frame covering the vacuum valve; and an operation mechanism part for opening/closing a contact of the vacuum valve. The pressure monitoring device for vacuum valve includes: a first electrode disposed on one side surface of the insulating frame and grounded via an impedance; a second electrode disposed on another side surface of the insulating frame and grounded via a switch; and a potential measuring device connected in between the impedance and the first electrode.