Circuit Breaker Valve Assembly for Threshold Gas Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers with complex valve arrangements for regulating gas flow in arc chambers are inefficient, costly to manufacture, and require multiple components, leading to hindered gas flow and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified valve assembly using a valve body with a first valve plate and a second valve plate that moves between three positions, along with Belleville springs to constrain the movement of the first valve plate, allowing threshold-based gas flow regulation between the arc chamber and the low-pressure chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex valve arrangement with multiple valve plates and spring mechanisms is used to regulate gas flow, then the gas flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve plates (first valve plate and second valve plate) and spring mechanisms into a single integrated valve assembly. The first and second valve plates are arranged in series within the same valve body, sharing common sealing surfaces and flow paths. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precise gas flow control through the coordinated movement of the valve plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the first valve plate controls gas flow from the compression chamber to the arc chamber, while the second valve plate controls gas flow from the arc chamber to the low-pressure chamber. Both valve plates share common sealing surfaces with the valve body and can operate independently or in coordination. This multi-functionality allows a single valve assembly to regulate gas flow at multiple stages, reducing the need for separate valve mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve components and spring mechanisms are implemented, then the gas flow regulation capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve components including the first valve plate, second valve plate, and spring mechanisms into a unified valve assembly structure. The valve plates are mounted on sealing surfaces within the same valve body, sharing common support structures and actuation mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly operations required, lowering overall manufacturing costs while preserving comprehensive gas flow regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the first and second valve plates can independently or cooperatively control gas flow at different stages. The spring mechanisms provide both resetting force and sealing pressure for multiple sealing surfaces. This universal design allows a single valve assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate valve mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified valve assembly with fewer components is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the gas flow control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves simplified construction by merging the first and second valve plates into a single integrated assembly within one valve body. Both valve plates share common sealing surfaces and flow paths, eliminating the need for multiple separate valve mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and assembly operations while maintaining precise gas flow control through the coordinated action of the valve plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs multiple gas flow control functions within a single compact structure. The first valve plate regulates flow from the compression chamber to the arc chamber, while the second valve plate controls flow from the arc chamber to the low-pressure chamber. Both functions are achieved through the same valve body and sealing system, maintaining control precision while reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate valve mechanisms are used to control gas flow in different chambers, then the gas flow control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested valve structure where the first valve plate and second valve plate are arranged in series within the same valve body. The flow path passes sequentially through both valve plates, with the second valve plate positioned downstream of the first. This nesting arrangement allows multiple stages of gas flow control to be contained within a single compact valve assembly, reducing the overall volume and space requirements compared to separate valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly merges multiple gas flow control functions into a single integrated structure. The first and second valve plates share common sealing surfaces with the valve body and are actuated within the same spatial envelope. This combining approach maintains accurate gas flow control at multiple stages while minimizing the total volume occupied by the valve system.
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 valve assembly efficiently regulates gas flow based on pressure thresholds, enhancing arc quenching efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying the design by minimizing the number of components, thus improving the overall performance and reliability of the circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of Belleville springs radially arranged in the valve body below the first valve plate, the plurality of Belleville springs configured to constrain the movement of the first valve plate
Implementation Method 2
the valve assembly is configured to allow threshold-based flow of the insulating gas into and out of the first chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit breaker, a valve assembly and an operating method thereof are provided. The circuit breaker comprises a compression volume surrounding at least a portion of a space between first and second electric contacts, and a low-pressure volume, filled with insulating gas, disposed adjacent to the compression volume. The circuit breaker further comprises a valve assembly interconnecting the compression volume and the low-pressure volume, and configured to allow threshold-based flow of the insulating gas. The valve assembly comprises a valve body. The valve assembly also comprises a first valve plate movably mounted in the valve body and a second valve plate movably seated on the first valve plate. The valve assembly further comprises a plurality of Belleville springs radially arranged in the valve body, and configured to constrain the movement of the first valve plate up to the third position of the second valve plate in the valve body.