Bidirectional Double-Pole Contactor With Reversed Fields for Arc Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-disconnect double-pole bidirectional contactors face challenges in minimizing the risk of short-circuits between arcs and facilitating airflow for effective arc extinction when mounted on busbars.
Innovation Solution
The contactor is configured with two interrupter chambers disposed parallel and adjacent to each other, with four magnets generating magnetic fields in opposite directions within each chamber. This configuration allows the arcs to be pushed diagonally away from each other, reducing the risk of short-circuits and enabling airflow for improved arc extinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two interrupter chambers are disposed parallel and adjacent for compact mounting on busbars, then the space requirement is minimized and integration is facilitated, but the risk of short-circuits between arcs increases and airflow for arc extinction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the magnetic fields in opposite directions in adjacent interrupter chambers. Instead of using identical symmetric configurations, the magnetic fields are oriented oppositely to push arcs away from the common partition, preventing short-circuits while maintaining compact adjacent positioning of chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by reversing the direction of magnetic fields in adjacent chambers. Rather than using fields in the same direction, the opposite direction configuration pushes arcs away from each other and from the common partition, solving the short-circuit risk while enabling compact mounting.
2Device complexity
If a single pair of magnets generates magnetic field in the same direction for both chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but arcs may encounter each other causing short-circuits between poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the magnetic field configuration between adjacent chambers. By orienting magnetic fields in opposite directions, the arcs are pushed away from the common partition, preventing short-circuits. This asymmetric configuration resolves the reliability issue while maintaining practical device complexity through shared structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the magnetic fields in opposite directions to counteract the potential harmful interaction between arcs before it can occur. This prevents arcs from encountering each other and causing short-circuits, addressing the reliability concern proactively.
3Reliability
If internal wall separates the two chambers completely, then the risk of short-circuits is reduced, but the circulation of airflow is blocked and arc extinction is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized magnetic field zones in opposite directions within each chamber. This local differentiation of magnetic field orientation pushes arcs away from the common partition in each chamber, providing short-circuit protection while allowing the partition to remain permeable to airflow for effective arc extinction.
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 configuration effectively reduces the risk of short-circuits between arcs and enhances airflow, leading to improved arc extinction and a more compact, efficient contactor design suitable for mounting on busbars.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of magnets, able to generate a magnetic field B with a constant direction, so as to generate a magnetic force for moving an arc
Implementation Method 2
generate a magnetic field which, by coming into interaction with the arc, moves it in accordance with the Laplace force
Implementation Method 3
the blocks of fins serving as an arc extinction device. Each block makes it possible to divide and extinguish an arc directed towards the block
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a double-disconnect double-pole bidirectional contactor configured to be mounted on two parallel busbars, comprising, for each pole, an interrupter chamber, in which the following are disposed:a moving bridge having first and second moving contacts;a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact;a pair of magnets, able to generate a magnetic field with a constant direction, so as to generate a magnetic force for moving an arc appearing between the fixed contacts and the moving contacts of the moving bridge passing from a closed state to an open state;four blocks of fins;four arc guides.The two interrupter chambers are configured to simultaneously extinguish arcs having a first current direction for one pole, and arcs having a second current direction for the other pole, the first and second current directions being opposed. The first and second interrupter chambers are disposed parallel and are up against each other, defining a joining zone that is parallel to a direction of movement between the closed state and the open state of each of the two moving bridges, the first and second interrupter chambers being in fluid communication at least partly in the joining zone. There are four magnets and the pairs of magnets of the two poles are disposed so that the magnetic fields generated in the two poles are in a parallel direction but in opposite directions.