Circuit Breaker Terminal Shield Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers with lug-type terminal blocks face dielectric breakdown due to the proximity of the terminal block to the arc suppressor, which can lead to increased size and manufacturing costs when attempting to prevent this breakdown.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an insulating member between the lug-type terminal block and the main body, made of materials like Nomex paper, to prevent dielectric breakdown without enlarging the circuit breaker, while maintaining proximity to the arc suppressor for efficient arc blowout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lug-type terminal block is positioned close to the main body, then the size of the circuit breaker is reduced, but dielectric breakdown may occur between the terminal block and the arc suppressor
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the lug-type terminal block and the main body (specifically between the terminal block and the arc suppressor). This insulating member prevents direct contact and dielectric breakdown while allowing the terminal block to maintain close proximity to the main body, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and electrical insulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the terminal block and the main body is segmented into distinct functional zones: the insulating member occupies the critical insulation zone to prevent breakdown, while the terminal block maintains its positioning for compactness. This spatial segmentation allows both requirements to coexist without compromise.
2Reliability
If the terminal portion and lug-type terminal block are spaced far from the main body, then dielectric breakdown is suppressed, but the size of the circuit breaker increases leading to higher manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member serves as a compact intermediary that provides the necessary dielectric suppression without requiring increased spacing. This eliminates the need to enlarge the circuit breaker while maintaining reliable insulation between the terminal block and the arc suppressor.
3Volume of moving object
If the lug-type terminal block is positioned in proximity to the arc suppressor, then the circuit breaker size is minimized, but an arc conduction path may form causing dielectric breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is positioned as a mediator between the lug-type terminal block and the arc suppressor, physically blocking the formation of arc conduction paths. This allows the terminal block to remain in close proximity to the main body for compactness while the insulating member prevents harmful arc discharge, thus resolving the contradiction between size minimization and arc suppression.
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 insulating member effectively suppresses dielectric breakdown and ensures reliable arc suppression without increasing the circuit breaker's size, enhancing its operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member provided between the lug-type terminal block and the main body... suppressing the occurrence of dielectric breakdown by forming an arc conduction path between a lug-type terminal block and a main body
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker includes: a main body housing circuit-breaking parts; a terminal portion exposed outside the main body; a lug-type terminal block attached to the terminal portion and connecting a wire to the terminal portion; and an insulating member provided between the lug-type terminal block and the main body.