Arc Extinguishing Assembly Sealing for Higher Breaker Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit breakers face issues with insufficient temporary pressure increase during arc generation, fluid leakage between the circuit breaker and arc extinguishing assembly, and reduced arc extinguishing performance due to gaps, leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

An arc extinguishing assembly with a sealing member that includes an exhaust and plate-shaped side portions, coupled with a sealing member to seal gaps and increase pressure, enhancing the arc extinguishing performance by suppressing fluid leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional circuit breaker with simple arc extinguishing structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the arc extinction reliability is insufficient under high current conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinction reliabilityVSAvoidarc extinguishing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arc extinguishing assembly is divided into multiple independent arc extinguishing units (first arc extinguishing unit and second arc extinguishing unit), each with its own arc extinguishing chamber and contact structure. This segmentation allows each unit to independently handle arc extinction, improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second arc extinguishing units are nested within the same arc extinguishing assembly, with the second unit positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first unit. This nested arrangement increases arc extinction capability while maintaining a compact overall structure, avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the arc extinguishing assembly is designed to handle high current arcs, then the arc extinction capability is improved, but the volume of the circuit breaker increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh current arc extinction capabilityVSAvoidcircuit breaker volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The arc extinguishing units are arranged in a planar configuration within the arc extinguishing chamber, utilizing two-dimensional space arrangement rather than increasing linear dimensions. Multiple arc extinguishing surfaces are positioned adjacent to each other, effectively increasing arc handling capacity without proportionally increasing the overall volume of the circuit breaker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The arc extinguishing units utilize thin arc extinguishing chambers and contact structures that provide sufficient arc extinction surface area while maintaining minimal volume. The compact design of each unit allows for efficient space utilization, enabling high current arc extinction capability without excessive increase in circuit breaker volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If multiple arc extinguishing units are integrated into a single assembly, then the arc extinction reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinction reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The arc extinguishing assembly is designed as a modular structure with distinct first and second arc extinguishing units that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual units while achieving reliable arc extinction through their integrated arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second arc extinguishing units are combined into a single integrated arc extinguishing assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. This merging provides reliable arc extinction capability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized design and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 sealing member effectively seals gaps, increasing temporary pressure and arc extension length, improving arc extinguishing performance and preventing damage to the circuit breaker.

Implementation Method 1

When a circuit breaker breaks a high current, an arc is generated between contact points of the circuit breaker. In order to extinguish the arc, a large amount of arc blast energy is required

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc blast: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP4117011B1Arc extinguishing assembly and circuit breaker comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4117011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4117011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4117011B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arc extinguishing assembly including a sealing member and a circuit breaker including same. The sealing member is pressed and elastically deformed between coupling surfaces of the arc extinguishing assembly and the circuit breaker, and accordingly, a gap between the coupling surfaces of the arc extinguishing assembly and the circuit breaker is sealed. Accordingly, when an arc is generated, a temporary pressure increase in the circuit breaker increases and the arc can be smoothly extended.