Contact Device Arc Extinguishing Gas Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contact devices face challenges in quickly extinguishing arcs due to varying breaking energies, as the environment within the contact housing must be adjusted to optimize arc extinguishing, with low pressure leading to prolonged arc extinction times at low breaking energies and high pressure being necessary for rapid extinction at high breaking energies.
Innovation Solution
A contact device with a housing featuring separate spaces and adjustable holes, where the arc extinguishing member releases gas into one space and metal vapor is discharged through another, allowing for adjustable pressure and insulation based on breaking energy levels, with a support member and holding mechanism to control the arc extinguishing member's position and opening degree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the storage space is filled with metal vapor to improve insulation, then the insulation between contacts is improved, but the arc extinguishing time becomes longer due to low pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first space (storage space) and a second space (discharge space), with the first hole providing selective communication between them. This segmentation allows metal vapor to be retained in the first space for insulation while enabling controlled discharge to the second space for pressure management during arc extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing are given different functions: the first space maintains high metal vapor concentration for insulation, while the second space serves as a discharge region. The arc extinguishing member is positioned to release arc extinguishing gas specifically into the first space, creating localized quality differences that optimize both insulation and arc extinction.
2Speed
If the pressure in the storage space is maintained high to extinguish the arc quickly, then the arc extinguishing speed is improved, but the insulation between contacts deteriorates due to metal vapor accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The first hole is designed to be openable and closable, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between two states: closed to maintain high pressure and metal vapor concentration for insulation, and open to discharge metal vapor and allow arc extinguishing gas to fill the space for rapid arc extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The first hole alternates between open and closed states during different phases of operation: closed during normal operation to maintain insulation, and open during arc extinction to enable rapid pressure equalization and arc suppression.
3Reliability
If the first hole is kept open to discharge metal vapor and improve insulation, then the insulation is improved, but the pressure in the storage space becomes low causing prolonged arc extinction
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguishing member can change the opening degree of the first hole dynamically. During normal operation, the first hole remains closed to maintain high pressure and insulation. During arc extinction, the opening degree is increased to allow rapid discharge of metal vapor and influx of arc extinguishing gas, achieving both insulation and rapid extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening degree of the first hole is changed as a controllable parameter: small opening degree during normal operation maintains insulation, while large opening degree during arc extinction enables rapid pressure equalization and arc suppression.
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
Enables suitable adjustment of the contact environment according to breaking energy, improving insulation and accelerating arc extinction by maintaining high pressure when needed, while ensuring effective arc extinguishing performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the movable contact separates from the fixed contact, an arc is generated between the contacts. The arc extinguishing member releases an arc extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc.
Implementation Method 2
The arc extinguishing member releases an arc extinguishing gas into the first space. The arc is extinguished by the arc extinguishing gas.
Implementation Method 3
When an arc is generated at the contact, metal vapor is generated by melting the contact.
Implementation Method 4
The first hole communicates the first space and the second space. The second hole communicates the second space with a space outside the second space. The second hole has a smaller opening area than the first hole.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a first space, a second space, a first hole, a second hole, and an arc extinguishing member. A fixed contact and a movable contact are arranged in the first space. The second space is partitioned from the first space. The first hole communicates the first space and the second space. The second hole communicates the second space with a space outside the second space. The arc extinguishing member releases an arc extinguishing gas into the first space. The second hole has a smaller opening area than the first hole.