Contactor Arc Isolation via Laminated Limiting Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactors in low-voltage electrical appliances face challenges in effectively isolating electric arcs without increasing product volume, which is a hindrance to the trend of miniaturization and functional diversification.
Innovation Solution
A contactor design featuring a contact support with limiting structures and insertion plates forming a laminated structure, which increases electrical clearance and creepage distance without expanding the product's space, effectively cutting off electric arcs and allowing for additional functional modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the space of the contactor is increased in horizontal or vertical direction to increase interphase electrical clearance and creepage distance, then arc isolation effect is improved, but product volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laminated structure with limiting structures and insertion plates that creates additional spatial dimensions for arc isolation. The limiting structures extend from the contact support body, and insertion plates are positioned between phases to create multiple isolation layers, effectively increasing clearance and creepage distance without expanding the overall product envelope in horizontal or vertical directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion plates are nested within the existing contactor structure, positioned in the spaces between contact supports. The limiting structures are integrated into the contact support body itself, with first limiting plates formed from the support body and second limiting plates positioned in the gaps. This nesting approach allows arc isolation components to occupy otherwise unused space, preventing arc short circuits without increasing product volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary functions are added to the contactor, then functional diversification is improved, but product volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting structures and insertion plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide arc isolation between phases, increase electrical clearance and creepage distance, and create structural support for accommodating additional functional modules. The laminated structure acts as both an electrical isolation barrier and a structural framework that can integrate auxiliary functions without requiring separate dedicated space.
3Volume of stationary object
If the contact support is made compact to reduce product volume, then miniaturization is improved, but arc isolation effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating arc isolation measures at critical locations where arcs are most likely to occur between phases. The limiting structures are positioned specifically at the boundaries between accommodating cavities, and insertion plates are placed in the gaps between contact supports. This localized approach provides effective arc isolation without requiring uniform expansion of the entire 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 enhances electric arc isolation, prevents short circuits, reduces product volume, and accommodates more functional modules, aligning with the goals of miniaturization and functional diversification in low-voltage electrical appliances.
Implementation Method 1
one end of a spring is installed on the moving contact, and the other end of the spring is installed on a top portion of the accommodating cavity
Implementation Method 2
The contact support moves under the attraction of an electric coil
Implementation Method 3
an electric arc is generated at the moment of opening or closing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A contactor comprises a housing and a contact support, the contact support is movably installed in an installation cavity of the housing, a body of the contact support is provided with a plurality of lower accommodating cavities for accommodating a moving contact, the plurality of lower accommodating cavities are arranged at intervals, a side wall of the body is provided with a plurality of limiting structures located between two adjacent lower accommodating cavities, and the plurality of limiting structures are matched with a plurality of plugboards in the installation cavity; the plugboard comprises a connecting end portion and a bending root portion connected to each other, the bending root portion of the plugboard is connected to a side wall of the installation cavity, each limiting structure comprises a first limiting plate and a second limiting plate formed by side walls of two adjacent lower accommodating cavities extending respectively, the first limiting plate comprises a connecting root portion and a bending end portion connected to each other, the connecting root portion is connected to the body and is spaced with the second limiting plate to form a slot matched with the connecting end portion of the plugboard, and the bending end portion is oppositely arranged with the bending root portion of the plugboard. The present invention provides a contactor with simple structure and good arc isolation effect.