Electromagnetic Contactor Arc Box Layout for Fast Arc Extinguishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic contactors face challenges in effectively extinguishing and discharging arcs generated during contact separation, occupying excessive space with arc horns, being limited to specific grid shapes, and failing to meet rapid arc extinguishing requirements for 'Type 2 Coordination', leading to potential component damage and reduced operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic contactor design featuring a structure with wall portions surrounding the contacts, arc through holes, and an arc box part with outlets that guide and discharge arcs through grids, preventing internal flow and external intrusion, and providing multiple discharge paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a magnetic contactor is designed in a compact size, then space efficiency is improved, but arc discharge space is insufficient leading to inadequate arc extinguishing
Solution Approach 1:
The arc discharge space is segmented into multiple regions by dividing the grid structure into multiple grid plates arranged in layers. These grid plates create multiple arc discharge paths, effectively utilizing the limited space within the compact contactor to achieve adequate arc extinguishing capability without increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid plates are arranged in layered configurations extending in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical dimensions). This three-dimensional arrangement of grids creates comprehensive arc discharge paths in various spatial dimensions, maximizing the arc extinguishing effectiveness within the constrained compact volume of the contactor.
2Ease of operation
If grids are arranged in a specific fan-like shape, then arc guiding is improved, but adaptability to different contactor configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grid plates are designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different contactor configurations. The grid structure can be arranged in multiple patterns (fan-like, parallel, or other configurations) depending on the specific contactor design requirements. This universal grid design maintains effective arc guiding capability across various contactor types and grid arrangements, enhancing versatility while preserving arc control effectiveness.
3Reliability
If arc discharge path is extended, then arc extinguishing is improved, but contactor volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grid plates are nested within each other in a layered configuration, with each grid plate positioned inside the spatial envelope defined by the outer housing. This nested arrangement of grids creates extended arc discharge paths that wind through the layered grid structure, achieving effective arc extinguishing while maintaining a compact overall contactor volume.
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 design effectively extinguishes and discharges arcs, minimizing internal arc presence, preventing component damage, and enhancing operational reliability and durability by guiding arcs through controlled paths.
Implementation Method 1
When a current is applied to the magnetic contactor, the fixed core is magnetized by a magnetic field generated by the coil
Implementation Method 2
The magnetized fixed core applies a magnetic attractive force to the movable core, so that the movable core can moved toward the fixed core
Implementation Method 3
when the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated from each other, an arc is generated by the current being applied. The arc may be defined as a flow of high-temperature and high-pressure plasma
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic contactor is disclosed. An electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an arc extinguishing unit. The air extinguishing unit is configured to surround a position where a fixed contactor and a movable contactor are in contact with each other. Accordingly, an arc generated between the fixed contactor and the movable contactor can extend toward a grid without arbitrarily flowing in an inner space of the electromagnetic contactor. Further included is an arc box unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An arc outlet is formed passing through the arc box unit. An arc that is extinguished while passing through the grid can be discharged to the outside of the electromagnetic contactor through the arc outlet. Accordingly, the arc can be extinguished and discharged quickly and effectively. As a result, components of the electromagnetic contactor are not damaged by the generated arc.