Circuit Breaker Contact Structure With Ribbed Cooling Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact structures in circuit breakers suffer from ineffective heat rejection due to non-detachable annular rings, leading to inefficient cooling of contact arms, and the inability to replace damaged components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connecting means with ribs is introduced on the contact arm, allowing for improved heat dissipation through streamlined airflow and increased surface area, using a nut and bolt assembly for attachment and made of high thermal conductivity materials to ensure effective heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If annular rings are provided around each contact arm for heat rejection, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the heat is dispersed rather than streamlined resulting in ineffective cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The contact arm is segmented into multiple parallel ribs that create distinct cooling paths. This segmentation allows cool air to flow through multiple channels simultaneously, improving cooling effectiveness while maintaining a compact structure. The ribs divide the heat dissipation function into multiple parallel pathways rather than relying on a single annular ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional annular ring configuration to a three-dimensional ribbed structure with multiple cooling paths. The parallel ribs extend in the longitudinal direction, adding a dimensional aspect that enables streamlined airflow through the structure, converting dispersed heat rejection into directed thermal management.
2Temperature
If annular rings are provided around contact arms, then heat rejection is achieved, but the contact structure size must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large annular ring that would increase overall structure size, the heat rejection function is segmented into multiple smaller parallel ribs. This segmentation allows the same heat dissipation capacity to be achieved within a more compact footprint, as the ribs can be arranged closely in parallel without requiring the circumferential space of an annular ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple ribs are nested within the cross-sectional area of the contact arm, utilizing the internal space efficiently. This nesting approach allows the cooling structure to be embedded within the existing contact arm dimensions rather than adding external annular rings that would increase the overall envelope size.
3Temperature
If annular rings are provided on contact arms, then heat dissipation is improved, but the rings are not detachable and cannot be replaced when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The contact arm is segmented into modular ribs that can be independently manufactured and attached. This segmentation enables the cooling ribs to be produced as separate replaceable components rather than being integral to the contact arm, allowing damaged ribs to be replaced without replacing the entire contact arm assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic replaceability to the previously static contact arm structure. The ribs are designed to be attachable and detachable, transforming the contact arm from a fixed monolithic structure to a modular assembly where cooling components can be dynamically added, removed, or replaced based on operational needs or damage.
4Productivity
If multiple parallel ribs are used to streamline cool air flow, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cooling function is segmented into multiple simple parallel ribs rather than attempting to create a single complex annular structure. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by breaking down the cooling function into repetitive, standardized rib elements that can be produced using conventional machining or molding processes, then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a single optimized complex cooling structure, the invention uses multiple simpler rib elements that collectively achieve the cooling function. This partial action approach allows each rib to be manufactured independently using standard processes, and the cumulative effect of multiple ribs provides the desired cooling performance without requiring advanced manufacturing capabilities.
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 solution enhances heat dissipation from contact arms, allowing for increased temperature ratings and improved performance without enlarging the contact structure, maintaining proper insulation and preventing current leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The ribs are arranged on the detachable connecting means to define one or more cooling paths. For example, the ribs are arranged parallel to each other and a cool air flow is introduced onto the ribs. The ribs streamline the cool air flow such that the cool air flows between the ribs arranged in parallel.
Implementation Method 2
The contact structure includes a contact piece with one or more contact arms attached to the contact piece... At least one contact arm comprises two sidewalls with surfaces... The detachable connecting means is provided on the contact arm... to enhance heat dissipation from contact arms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
To create a contact structure (5) of a circuit breaker, which provides the contact structure (5) with improved heat rejection from contact arms of the circuit breaker, it is suggested, that a detachable connecting means (6) is provided on the at least one contact arm (3) and a plurality of ribs (7) is formed on the detachable connecting means (6); wherein the plurality of ribs (7) define at least one cooling path (9).