Electric Switch Arc Extinguisher Plate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric switches face challenges in efficiently extinguishing electric arcs, which can be harmful and delay the transition from a conducting to a non-conducting state, and existing solutions like arc extinguisher plates can complicate the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
Attaching arc extinguisher plates to a roll element with a rotating contact, allowing for efficient arc extinguishing during the opening event of the switch, and simplifying the assembly process by integrating the roll element and arc extinguisher plates as a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc extinguisher plates are used separately from the roll element, then arc extinguishing function is provided, but assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguisher plates are integrated with the roll element to form a single unified component. The roll element serves dual functions: as the rotating contact carrier and as the mounting structure for the arc extinguisher plates. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of arc extinguisher plates, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining effective arc extinguishing functionality.
2Device complexity
If arc extinguisher plates are integrated to the roll element, then assembly process is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguisher plates are pre-integrated with the roll element during the manufacturing process rather than being assembled separately during installation. This preliminary integration ensures precise positioning and alignment is achieved during controlled manufacturing conditions, and the pre-assembled unit is then installed as a single component, simplifying the field assembly process.
3Duration of action of moving object
If electric arc duration is extended, then switching operation is delayed, but arc damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguisher plates utilize the ionized gas plasma of the electric arc itself to extinguish the arc. The plates are positioned and oriented to guide the arc between them, where the arc's own electromagnetic forces and thermal effects contribute to ionizing the gas between the plates, creating a conductive path that allows the arc to be redirected and ultimately extinguished by the plates' geometric configuration and material properties.
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 solution effectively extinguishes electric arcs during the opening event of the electric switch, ensuring efficient operation and simplifying the assembly process, thereby enhancing the switch's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An electric arc whose temperature is thousands of degrees may occur in the electric switch. An electric arc includes ionized gas, which contains a large number of free electrons. Such a gas plasma is electrically conductive.
Implementation Method 2
An electric arc includes ionized gas, which contains a large number of free electrons. Such a gas plasma is electrically conductive.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4e
Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
An electric switch comprising a frame (2), a first stationary contact (41), a roll element (6) adapted to rotate relative to the frame (2), a rotating contact (8) stationary fixed to the roll element (6), and an arc extinguisher plate system. The arc extinguisher plate system comprises at least one first arc extinguisher plate (11) for extinguishing an electric arc generated during an opening event between the first stationary contact (41) and a first contact portion (81) of the rotating contact (8). The at least one first arc extinguisher plate (11) is fixed to the roll element (6).