DC Contactor Arc-Introducing Structure for Longer Contact Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct-current contactors with sealed gas-filled arc extinguishing structures have complex structures and assembly processes, and the electric arcs generated during connection and disconnection reduce the service life of the contacts.
Innovation Solution
A direct-current contactor design that includes an arc introducing plate to transfer the electric arc to an arc extinguishing assembly, eliminating the need for a sealed gas-filled structure, and utilizing multiple arc extinguishing plates and a drive assembly for effective arc extinguishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed gas-filled arc extinguishing structure is used, then arc extinguishing performance is improved, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arc extinguishing function from the sealed gas-filled chamber and implements it through an open-structure arc extinguishing plate. The arc extinguishing plate is positioned to intercept and extinguish arcs without requiring a sealed enclosure, thereby eliminating the complexity of sealing structures while maintaining effective arc control.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc introducing plate serves as an intermediary component that guides arcs from the contact separation point to the arc extinguishing plate. This mediator structure enables controlled arc redirection in an open configuration, achieving reliable arc extinguishing without the need for sealed gas-filled chambers.
2Reliability
If a sealed gas-filled arc extinguishing structure is used, then arc extinguishing performance is improved, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sealed chamber and gas filling requirements from the design, replacing them with an open-structure arc extinguishing plate. This extraction of the sealing requirement dramatically simplifies the assembly process, as components can be directly assembled without precision sealing operations or gas filling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc introducing plate and arc extinguishing plate are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and assembled. These simple plate structures replace complex sealed chambers, making the overall assembly process more straightforward and manufacturable.
3Device complexity
If electric arcs are not controlled, then contactor structure is simpler, but contact service life is reduced due to arc burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful arc effect into a controlled process by using the arc introducing plate to guide arcs away from the contacts and onto the arc extinguishing plate. The arc energy that would otherwise damage the contacts is redirected to a dedicated extinguishing surface, thereby protecting the contacts and extending service life while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc introducing plate and arc extinguishing plate together form an intermediary system that manages arc energy. This intermediary structure protects the contacts from direct arc exposure while maintaining an otherwise simple open contactor design.
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 prolongs the service life of the contactor by effectively extinguishing arcs without a gas-filled structure, simplifying the assembly process and improving conduction performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electric arc is generated between the stationary contact and the moving contact when a current passes
Implementation Method 2
the arc introducing plate introduces the electric arc into the arc extinguishing assembly to perform arc extinguishing
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a direct-current contactor, a power distribution box, a power battery assembly, and a vehicle. The direct-current contactor includes a contact assembly, an arc extinguishing assembly, and a drive assembly. The arc extinguishing assembly is disposed around the contact assembly. The contact assembly includes a moving contact mechanism and a stationary contact mechanism that are disposed in pairs. The moving contact mechanism includes a moving contact. The stationary contact mechanism includes a stationary contact and an arc introducing plate disposed around the stationary contact. The arc introducing plate is configured to introduce an electric arc generated between the moving contact mechanism and the stationary contact mechanism into the arc extinguishing assembly. The drive assembly is configured to drive connection or disconnection of the moving contact and the stationary contact. The direct-current contactor has advantages of a long service life, a simple structure, and a simple assembling process.