Contactor Toggle Mechanism for High Current Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactor devices for high current switching applications, particularly in industrial and railway contexts, face challenges with complex and expensive mechanical structures, reduced lifetime due to high operating frequencies, and the need for maintenance, which hinder compact design and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A contactor device with a toggle mechanism featuring symmetrically moving contacts driven by a low voltage driving portion, eliminating the need for fixed contacts and incorporating an arc extinguishing portion for efficient high voltage switching, and using insulating rods and pivotally supported arms to manage contact movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed contact and movable contact with complex mechanical moving system are used, then effective contact separation and arc prevention are achieved, but device complexity increases and compact design is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fixed contact from the traditional contactor structure, leaving only two movable contacts. This extraction of the fixed contact element simplifies the mechanical moving system while maintaining effective contact separation through the relative movement of the two movable contacts under spring action and electromagnetic force.
2Productivity
If high operating frequency switching is implemented, then productivity is improved, but flexible connecting braid reliability deteriorates due to increased failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring-loaded movable contacts that dynamically adjust their positioning and contact pressure. This dynamic mechanism allows the contacts to withstand high-frequency switching operations without excessive stress accumulation, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible connecting braids while maintaining high productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sufficient opening space between contacts is provided, then arc generation is reduced, but device volume increases due to larger moving mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spring action in the movable contacts to achieve contact separation in a dimension perpendicular to the main contact plane. This dimensional approach allows sufficient opening space for arc prevention without requiring excessive linear distance, thereby maintaining a compact device volume while effectively reducing electric arc generation.
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 enhances reliability, extends device lifetime, and allows for a compact structure without requiring maintenance, improving overall performance and reducing the risk of electric arcs through effective contact separation.
Implementation Method 1
a low voltage driving portion incorporated in said switch base portion and active on said toggle mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved contactor device (1) for high current switching applications, in particular industrial or railways applications wherein a high D.C. current must be switched on and off, said contactor device (1) including a switch base portion (2) including electric switching means of a high voltage portion (5) and an arc extinguishing portion (3) covering said switching means. Advantageously, the contactor device of the invention comprises a couple of moving contacts (21, 22) driven towards and away from each other with respect to a mutual contact and abutting position, those moving contacts (21, 22) being mounted at the respective contact ends (23, 24) of a toggle mechanism (30) activated by a low voltage driving portion (4) incorporated in the switch base portion and active on the toggle mechanism (30).