Self-Powered DC Arc Extinguisher Using Pressurized Air

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extinguishing direct current (DC) arcs in separable electrical contacts require externally derived forces, such as magnetic or mechanical means, which are often expensive and inconvenient, and do not effectively limit arc formation to discrete locations.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a female contact housing that contains a male contact within a narrow passage, where air is heated and pressurized by the arc, leading to a burst of pressurized air that extinguishes the arc upon withdrawal, eliminating the need for external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic methods (blowout coils or permanent magnets) are used to extinguish DC arcs, then arc extinguishment is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring strong magnets and external components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc extinguishment effectivenessVSAvoidexternal components requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector uses the arc's own energy to generate the pressurized air needed for extinguishment. The arc heats the air in the sealed cavity, creating pressure that drives the air through the passage to extinguish the arc, eliminating the need for external magnetic fields or components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful thermal energy of the arc is converted into a beneficial pressurized air flow. The arc's heat raises the temperature and pressure of the air in the cavity, and this pressurized air is then used to extinguish the arc, transforming the harmful effect into the extinguishment mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If transformer oil or dielectric gas is used to suppress arcs, then arc extinguishment is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc suppression effectivenessVSAvoidexternal suppression media

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the arc's own energy to generate the pressurized air needed for extinguishment, eliminating the need for external suppression media like transformer oil or dielectric gas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the air in the cavity by heating it with the arc, transforming it from ambient temperature air to high-temperature pressurized air that can effectively extinguish the arc

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mechanical means (blades, knives, or shotgun shell blasts) are used to extinguish arcs, then arc extinguishment is achieved, but the device complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc extinguishment effectivenessVSAvoidmechanical safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector uses the arc's own energy to generate the pressurized air needed for extinguishment, eliminating the need for dangerous mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces dangerous mechanical extinguishment methods with a controlled pressurized air flow generated by heating air with the arc itself, substituting a safer thermal-mechanical process for hazardous mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively extinguishes DC arcs without external components, ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness by utilizing the mechanical action of contact removal to release a burst of pressurized air, thereby eliminating the risk of unwanted arcs.

Implementation Method 1

air contained within the internal cavity is heated by the electrical arc and high pressure is created within the internal cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

air pressure within the cavity forces air outwardly through the constriction in the passage in a burst that extinguishes the electrical arc

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9054447B1Electrical connector using air heated by an electrical arc during disengagement of contacts to extinguish the electrical arc

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 RELIANCE CONTROLS CORPORATION

AI summary

An electrical connector system is configured for extinguishing a DC arc without the need for externally-driven forces by utilizing the mechanical action of a contact being removed from a pressurized cavity and releasing a flow of air to extinguish the arc. A female connector is disposed within an air-tight cavity. The male connector is removably inserted into the air-tight cavity, sealing the cavity, and providing an electrical connection. When the male connector separates from the female connector, a DC arc is created. However, the male connector continues to restrict air flow into or out of the cavity. The temperature rise within the cavity causes a pressure build-up and the eventual removal of the male connector from the cavity forcefully releases a blast of pressurized air through a constricted opening and extinguishes the arc.