Contactor Arc Chute with Permanent Magnets for Low-Current Extinction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for high current and voltage applications face challenges in efficiently extinguishing electric arcs, particularly when dealing with low currents, leading to insufficient magnetic field generation and inadequate arc diversion, resulting in reduced reliability and shorter operating life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of permanent magnetic elements positioned near moving contacts to generate a magnetic field that partially detours and extinguishes electric arcs, especially when low currents are involved, enhancing arc extinguishing capabilities and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field strength is increased for better arc extinguishing, then arc diversion improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs permanent magnets that generate magnetic fields autonomously without requiring external power or control systems. The permanent magnets self-generate the necessary magnetic flux to divert and extinguish arcs, eliminating the need for additional active components or control circuitry that would increase device complexity.
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 improves arc extinguishing capabilities and reliability, extending the operating life of switching devices by ensuring efficient arc dissipation even at low currents, while maintaining reasonable industrial costs.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of permanent magnetic elements positioned near moving contacts to generate a magnetic field that partially detours and extinguishes electric arcs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved switching or contactor device (1) with high arc extinguishing capabilities, in particular for industrial and railways applications wherein a high current must be switched on and off, said switching or contactor device (1) comprising in a casing (10): - a switch base portion (2) including electrical switching means (35) of a low voltage driving portion (4) active on moving contacts (21, 22); - a high voltage portion (5) including said moving contacts (21, 22) driven towards and away from each other with respect to a mutual contact position, said moving contacts (21, 22) being mounted at respective contact ends of a toggle mechanism (30) which is movable by a low voltage driving portion (4), and - a top arc chute extinguishing portion (3) covering said high voltage portion (5), wherein hardware means (40) are provided in the proximity of said moving contacts (21, 22) to influence an electric arc (29) occurring when currents are switched on and off by the moving contacts (21, 22) moving towards and away from each other.