Contact Bridge Stopper Layout to Prevent Short-Circuit Re-Contacting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for high-power battery networks in electro-mobility face issues with unintentional re-contacting of switching contacts during short-circuit events, leading to recurring bouncing and increased stress, which prevents galvanic isolation and prolongs extinguishing time.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a movable contact bridge, a magnetic drive assembly, and a stopper mechanism that limits the contact bridge's movement during short circuits, reducing kinetic energy and preventing re-contacting by optimizing the clearing distance and end stop distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper limits the contact bridge movement too much, then contact rebound is prevented, but the clearing distance becomes too small increasing arc sticking risk
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper's position is precisely optimized to achieve the right balance: it limits contact bridge movement sufficiently to prevent contact rebound by controlling kinetic energy, while maintaining adequate clearing distance to ensure complete arc extinction and prevent arc sticking. The stopper dimensions and location are designed as critical parameters that simultaneously address both concerns.
2Device complexity
If no stopper is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the extinguishing time increases due to contact reclosing
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a minimal additional component extracted from the housing structure, providing the critical function of limiting contact bridge movement without significantly increasing overall device complexity. This simple structural addition prevents contact reclosing and dramatically reduces extinguishing time compared to designs without a stopper.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper is made of separate material from housing, then assembly flexibility increases, but manufacturing complexity and potential weak points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is integrally formed with the housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This merging of components reduces manufacturing complexity, eliminates potential weak points at joints, and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the stopper's functional properties through appropriate material selection for the entire housing assembly.
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 effectively minimizes contact rebound and improves short-circuit switching behavior, ensuring no re-contacting and reducing the risk of arc sticking, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of high-power DC switching operations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic drive assembly with an electric coil, a magnetic core and an armature
Implementation Method 2
a contact spring, a contact bridge carrier which is movable and is coupled to the contact bridge via the contact spring
Implementation Method 3
at least one stopper connected to the housing and configured to limit a movement of the contact bridge in case of a short circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a switching device comprises a first and a second fixed contact, a contact bridge, a first and a second movable contact arranged at the contact bridge, a contact spring, a contact bridge carrier, a housing and at least one stopper. The contact bridge carrier is movable and is coupled to the contact bridge via the contact spring. The at least one stopper is connected to the housing, and is configured to limit a movement of the contact bridge in case of a short circuit. The switching device also comprises a magnetic drive assembly with an electric coil, a magnetic core and an armature, wherein the armature is movable and is connected to the contact bridge carrier.