Ceramic Arc Chamber Contactor for High-Voltage DC Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage DC contactors with arc extinguishing structures face challenges due to complex manufacturing processes and potential gas leakage, leading to increased costs and decreased arc extinguishing performance over time.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two static contacts and a movable contact mounted on a rotatable member, with ceramic members and permanent magnets positioned to contain and rapidly cool electrical arcs, enhancing arc extinguishing efficiency without the need for a sealed environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed environment with permanent magnets is used to extinguish arcs, then arc extinguishing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and gas leakage may occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arc extinguishing function from a sealed chamber environment and implements it using standalone ceramic members with permanent magnets positioned outside. This eliminates the need for complex sealed structures while maintaining arc containment through the ceramic members' inherent properties and external magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning permanent magnets specifically at strategic locations outside the ceramic members to create focused magnetic fields where arcs occur. This localized approach provides effective arc extinguishing at the contact points without requiring a fully sealed environment, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a sealed environment with permanent magnets is used to extinguish arcs, then arc extinguishing performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for expensive sealed chambers and replaces them with simpler ceramic members and externally mounted permanent magnets. This extraction of the sealing requirement significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the essential arc extinguishing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple ceramic members and permanent magnets that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to sealed chambers. These components are designed to be replaceable if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains arc extinguishing performance without the high manufacturing expenses of sealed environments.
3Reliability
If a sealed chamber is used for arc extinguishing, then arc containment is improved, but gas leakage occurs over time reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arc containment function from a sealed chamber and implements it through ceramic members with inherent insulating and containing properties. By positioning permanent magnets outside these ceramic members, the system achieves sustained arc containment without relying on seals that can leak, thereby eliminating the performance degradation issue over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental approach from pressure-based containment (sealed chambers) to field-based containment (external magnetic fields acting on ceramic members). This parameter change from mechanical sealing to electromagnetic containment eliminates gas leakage issues and maintains consistent arc extinguishing performance throughout the service life.
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining high arc extinguishing performance, ensuring effective arc management and extended electrical life for high-voltage direct current contactors.
Implementation Method 1
Two permanent magnets are also mounted on the support plate and located outside the two ceramic members, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The drawn arc is then rapidly cooled and compounded in an arc extinguishing medium
Implementation Method 3
The two ends of the movable contact are located in respective internal regions of the two ceramic members such that an electrical arc generated between the movable contact and the static contact is located within the internal region of the ceramic member
Data Source
AI summary
A contactor includes two static contacts and a movable contact. Two ends of the movable contact selectively electrically contact the two static contacts, respectively. The contactor further includes a rotatable member rotatable about a central axis, with the movable contact being mounted thereon. The rotatable member is rotatably mounted on a support plate. Two ceramic members are mounted on the support plate, with each defining an internal region. Two permanent magnets are mounted on the support plate and located outside of the two ceramic members, respectively. The two ends of the movable contact are located in respective internal regions of the two ceramic members, such that an electrical arc generated between the movable contact and the static contact is located within the internal region.