Arc Extinguishing Grid and Runner Layout for Insulation Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc extinguishing devices in circuit breakers are prone to damage from arcs, fail to guide the entire arc effectively, and do not prevent insulation breakdown, leading to reduced operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
An arc extinguishing device with a grid unit, arc guide, and arc runner structure that guides and extinguishes arcs, preventing direct contact with components and maintaining a stable coupling state, while circulating residual arcs outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent magnets are used to guide the arc, then arc extinguishment capability is improved, but the permanent magnets may weaken or be damaged by the generated arc, leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic protective cover as an intermediary between the arc and the permanent magnets. This cover shields the permanent magnets from direct exposure to arc heat and pressure, preventing damage while allowing the magnetic field to guide the arc effectively. The protective cover acts as a mediator that preserves the functionality of the permanent magnets without interfering with their arc-guiding capability.
2Device complexity
If the arc guide is disposed only at a portion adjacent to the fixed contact, then the structure is simplified, but the entire extended arc cannot be guided and extinguished effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the arc guide into multiple segments: a first arc guide adjacent to the fixed contact and a second arc guide adjacent to the movable contact. This segmentation allows each arc guide to handle specific portions of the arc path, ensuring complete arc guidance and extinguishment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmented approach resolves the contradiction by distributing the arc guidance function across multiple locations rather than requiring a single complex structure.
3Device complexity
If no protective means are provided for arc guiding components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the components are damaged by the arc, reducing operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin protective cover made of insulating material that envelops the permanent magnets and arc guiding components. This thin film structure provides effective protection against arc damage without adding significant complexity to the device. The protective cover is designed to be sufficiently thin to minimize structural complexity while maintaining its protective function, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and operational reliability.
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
Prevents component damage, minimizes insulation breakdown, and effectively guides and extinguishes arcs, maintaining operational reliability by stabilizing the coupling state and circulating residual arcs.
Implementation Method 1
an arc guide configured to generate gas by reacting with the generated arc
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An arc extinguishing device is disclosed. The arc extinguishing device according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise: a grid unit positioned to be close to a fixed contact and a movable contact so as to extinguish an arc generated when the external fixed contact and movable contact are spaced apart from each other; an arc guide which is coupled to the grid unit so as to generate gas in response to the generated arc, and which extends in one direction; and an arc runner positioned to be close to each of the grid unit and the arc guide so that the generated arc is guided toward the grid unit. The grid unit may include a plurality of first grids extending to have a predetermined height and spaced apart from each other along one direction; and a plurality of second grids positioned close to the plurality of first grids, extending to have a height shorter than the predetermined height, and spaced apart from each other along the one direction. The arc runner may be positioned in a space defined by being surrounded by the plurality of second grids and the plurality of first grids.