Arc Extinguishing Isolating Apparatus for DC Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separating devices fail to reliably extinguish arcs in DC voltage systems, as there is no zero crossing to naturally extinguish the arc, posing a safety risk due to persistent electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

The separating device incorporates a design that utilizes magnetic repulsion between currents, combined with insulating materials and external magnetic fields, and strategically placed openings to lengthen and extinguish arcs, along with electrically conductive sections that split arcs into partial arcs, ensuring reliable arc quenching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separating device is used in a DC voltage system, then the electrical connection can be separated, but the arc cannot be extinguished due to the absence of zero crossing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinguishing reliabilityVSAvoidpersistent arc
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device divides the arc path into multiple segments using insulating barriers and electrically conductive sections arranged perpendicular to the arc direction. This segmentation increases the total arc length and creates multiple extinction points, making it difficult for the arc to sustain itself in DC voltage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electrically conductive sections are introduced as intermediary elements between the electrodes. These sections, arranged perpendicular to the arc path, force the arc to divert and lengthen its path, creating additional resistance and facilitating arc extinction without relying on zero crossing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If magnetic repulsion is utilized to extinguish arcs, then arc extinction is facilitated, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinction capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field generation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device utilizes the inherent magnetic field generated by the arc current itself to achieve arc extinction. The electrically conductive sections and insulating barriers are positioned to leverage this self-generated magnetic field, creating magnetic repulsion forces that push the arc away from the electrode without requiring external magnetic field generation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the arc path is lengthened to extinguish the arc, then the arc is forced to extinguish, but the separation distance and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinguishing effectivenessVSAvoidseparation distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating body and electrically conductive sections are strategically positioned only in critical regions where arc formation is most likely. This localized approach to arc management allows effective arc extinction while minimizing the overall separation distance required, as insulation is concentrated where it provides maximum benefit rather than uniformly distributed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively isolates currents in DC voltage systems by leveraging magnetic forces and arc splitting, ensuring safe and reliable separation by extinguishing arcs, even in the absence of zero crossings.

Implementation Method 1

since the currents in arc 6 and arc 6' are always directed in different directions, magnetic forces act on the currents in such a way that the currents repel each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The separating device is shaped in such a way that electrically conductive sections 7, 7'; 9 are formed on a carrier 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc splitting: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2676282B1Isolating apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.11.04 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2676282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2676282B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2676282B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is an isolating apparatus (T) comprising at least two electrodes (1,2), which can be connected via an electrically conductive connecting element (3), wherein the connecting element (3) is arranged in an insulating body (4), which, in a first position, provides the possibility of electrically connecting the at least two electrodes (1, 2) via the electrically conductive connecting element (3) and, in a second position, isolates the at least two electrodes (1, 2) from one another, wherein the insulating body (4) in the second position is introduced into a receptacle (5) which comprises, at least in sections, insulating material, with the result that the electrically conductive connecting element (3) is substantially surrounded by the insulating material in the second position.