Composite Contact Pin with Integrated Arc Runners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern low-voltage circuit-breakers experience high arc loads at contact points due to erosion from silver evaporation, mechanical spraying, and thermomechanical stresses, which can lead to damage and failure of contact pieces.
Innovation Solution
A contact piece for electric switches is designed as a composite support with integrated arc runners, produced in a direct sintering process, eliminating the need for separate arc runner attachment and reducing thermomechanical stresses by seamless material transition and avoiding electric field concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc runners are attached separately to contact pieces, then the arc runners can be added to support arc movement, but thermomechanical stresses and electric field concentration occur at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact piece and arc runner into a single integrated component produced by direct sintering. The contact piece and arc runner form a seamless composite structure without distinct interfaces, eliminating the problems of thermomechanical stress concentration and electric field concentration that occur at attachment interfaces of separately assembled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses direct sintering to create a composite structure where contact piece material and arc runner material are bonded at the microscopic level. This composite material approach creates a seamless transition between different materials, avoiding the macroscopic interface problems associated with traditional attachment methods while maintaining the functional benefits of combining different materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple production steps are used to create contacts with arc runners, then attachment can be achieved, but production time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple production steps (contact piece formation and arc runner attachment) into a single direct sintering operation. Both components are formed and bonded simultaneously in one process step, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and reducing production cycle time while maintaining manufacturing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares both the contact piece and arc runner materials in advance as powders or preforms, then combines and sinters them in a single operation. This preliminary preparation allows the final bonding step to be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing overall production time while ensuring proper material distribution and bonding.
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 approach allows for single-step production of contacts with attached arc runners, reducing thermomechanical stress and enhancing arc dissipation, thus improving the durability and performance of contact pieces in electric switches.
Implementation Method 1
produced in a direct sintering process
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a contact pin for an electric switch. The contact pin is designed as a composite support.