Composite Arc Shields for Vacuum Interrupters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum interrupters face challenges in accommodating large contacts for interrupting high currents due to limited space within fully ceramic insulating casings, and traditional arc-resistant shields are not effectively hermetically sealed to ceramic substrates, limiting their ability to handle high dynamic forces and fault currents.
Innovation Solution
The development of an arc-resistant shield structure hermetically sealed between ceramic insulators, using materials like copper-chromium alloy or stainless steel, which forms a tubular structure with the ceramic portions to create a larger cavity for accommodating larger electrode assemblies and withstand high voltages, with the arc-resistant material either co-formed with the shield or applied as a coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a fully ceramic insulating casing is used, then high voltage insulation is achieved, but the internal space is limited preventing accommodation of large contacts for high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite insulating structure combining ceramic material and polymer material. The ceramic portion provides high voltage insulation, while the polymer portion contributes to space optimization and mechanical properties. This composite approach allows larger contact assemblies to be accommodated while maintaining adequate insulation performance.
2Reliability
If traditional arc-resistant shields are used, then arc resistance is provided, but hermetic sealing to ceramic substrates is not achieved, limiting ability to withstand high dynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer material to achieve both hermetic sealing and mechanical strength. By selecting polymer materials with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients, melting points, and bonding characteristics, the shield structure achieves reliable hermetic sealing to ceramic substrates while withstanding high dynamic forces during circuit breaker operation.
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 design enhances the ability to handle large currents and high voltages by providing a larger insulating area and improved arc resistance, allowing for the use of larger contacts while maintaining a hermetic seal, thus improving the overall performance and reliability of vacuum interrupters.
Implementation Method 1
an arc-resistant shield for a vacuum interrupter... including an arc-resistant material present on an interior surface of the shield structure
Implementation Method 2
The first end of the shield structure is hermetically sealed to the first ceramic insulator and the opposite second end of the shield structure is hermetically sealed to the second ceramic insulator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed concept pertains to vacuum interrupters and arc-resistant shields. The arc-resistant shields are positioned in between a ceramic insulator. Each end of the arc-resistant shield is hermetically sealed to the ceramic insulator. The arc-resistant shield includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes an arc-resistant material. Disposed within the arc-resistant shield is a pair of electrode assemblies which are separable to establish arcing. In certain embodiments, the arc-resistant material is copper-chromium alloy.