IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,614,685
Granted Patent B2
US 12,614,685 · App. 18/457,853 · Granted Apr 28, 2026

Device, system, and method for high voltage switch

Inventor: Neil A. McCord (Athens, GA)
Assignee: Power Grid Components, Inc.
H01H33/66261H01H33/664H01H33/666
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,614,685
App. No.
18/457,853
Granted
Apr 28, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for a high voltage switch. The device can include a first housing, a switch, and a polymer insulating material. The housing can be at ground potential. The switch can be located within the housing and can include a current-breaking component and a moving contact. The current-breaking component can include a fixed contact and an opening contact. The fixed contact can be coupled to a first power lead. The opening contact can be configured to receive a moving contact. The moving contact can be coupled to a second power lead and can be controlled by an actuating mechanism. The polymer insulating material can surround the switch within the housing.

Claims (46)

1 . A device comprising:

a first housing, wherein the first housing is at ground potential;

a switch, wherein the switch is located within the first housing and comprises:

a current-breaking component with a fixed contact and an opening contact, wherein the fixed contact is coupled to a first power lead and wherein the opening contact is configured to receive a moving contact, and

the moving contact, wherein the moving contact is coupled to a second power lead and is controlled by an actuating mechanism;

a polymer insulating material, wherein the polymer insulating material surrounds the switch within the first housing;

a grounded shield, wherein the grounded shield surrounds at least the current-breaking component; and

an air gap between the polymer insulating material and the grounded shield, wherein the polymer insulating material is coupled to an outer surface of the current-breaking component.

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the current-breaking component comprises a vacuum interrupter controlled by the actuating mechanism.

3 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising:

a high voltage dielectric shield surrounding the fixed contact and opening contact of the current-breaking component.

4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymer insulating material is void free.

5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymer insulating material comprises liquid silicone rubber.

6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the air gap comprises an atmospheric pressure air gap.

7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a circuit breaker configured to protect electrical equipment from overcurrent.

8 . A system comprising:

a first housing, wherein the first housing is at ground potential;

a first bushing coupled to a first power lead;

a second bushing coupled to a second power lead;

a switch, wherein the switch is located within the first housing and comprises:

a current-breaking component with a fixed contact and an opening contact, wherein the fixed contact is coupled to the first power lead through the first bushing, and wherein the opening contact is configured to receive a moving contact, and

the moving contact, wherein the moving contact is coupled to a second power lead through the second bushing and is controlled by an actuating mechanism;

a polymer insulating material, wherein the polymer insulating material surrounds the switch and the moving contact within the first housing;

a grounded shield, wherein the grounded shield surrounds at least the current-breaking component; and

an air gap between the polymer insulating material and the grounded shield, wherein the polymer insulating material is coupled to an outer surface of the current-breaking component.

9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the second bushing comprises a second housing at ground potential.

10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the second housing comprises a polymer insulating material connected to inner walls of the second housing.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the second bushing comprises a flange configured to separate the second housing from the first housing.

12 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the second bushing comprises a polymer insulating connecting point configured to insulate a connection between the second housing and the first housing.

13 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the current-breaking component comprises a vacuum interrupter controlled by the actuating mechanism.

14 . The system of claim 8 , further comprising:

a high voltage dielectric shield surrounding the fixed contact and opening contact of the current-breaking component.

15 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the polymer insulating material comprises liquid silicone rubber.

16 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the first and second housing comprise the polymer insulating material.

17 . A method, comprising:

providing a high voltage electrical current through a grounded housing, wherein the grounded housing comprises:

a first and second power lead coupled to a power supply,

a switch comprising:

a current-breaking component with a fixed contact and an opening contact, wherein the fixed contact is coupled to the first power lead and wherein the opening contact is configured to receive a moving contact, and

the moving contact, wherein the moving contact is coupled to the second power lead and is controlled by an actuating mechanism,

a polymer insulating material, wherein the polymer insulating material surrounds the switch and the moving contact within the housing;

a grounded shield, wherein the grounded shield surrounds at least the current-breaking component; and

an air gap between the polymer insulating material and the grounded shield, wherein the polymer insulating material is coupled to an outer surface of the current-breaking component

determining an overcurrent occurs between the first and second power lead; and

switching off the high voltage electrical current using the switch.

18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the current-breaking component comprises a vacuum interrupter controlled by the actuating mechanism and wherein the polymer insulating material comprises liquid silicone rubber.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 27, 2026
From: ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: POWER GRID COMPONENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 073927/0643 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 4, 2023
From: POWER GRID COMPONENTS, INC.
To: ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 065753/0943 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 13, 2023
From: MCCORD, NEIL A.
To: POWER GRID COMPONENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 065206/0742 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63402038 · Aug 29, 2022
Related Publication 20240071699A1 · Feb 29, 2024
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