Dielectric Partition Arc Prevention Between Conductive Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric arcs frequently form between conductive elements in spatial environments, leading to damage in electric or electronic components due to the lack of insulation, which can result in short-circuits caused by ionization, dust, or electrostatic discharges.

Innovation Solution

A device with a dielectric separating partition is inserted between conductive elements, ensuring that any electric arc formed must follow an unstable path, preventing its establishment. The partition is made of ceramic material and has a height that overhangs by at least half the distance between the elements, imposing a 30° slope on the arc, thus stabilizing it and preventing short-circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conductive elements are placed close together to reduce device size, then device miniaturization is improved, but the risk of electric arc formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidelectric arc formation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric separating partition is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent conductive elements. This partition physically separates the conductive elements while maintaining their functional proximity, preventing direct electrical discharge paths. The dielectric material acts as a mediator that blocks electric arc formation without requiring large separation distances, thus enabling miniaturization while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If no insulation is provided between conductive elements to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but short-circuit risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation structureVSAvoidshort-circuit prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separating partition divides the space between conductive elements into distinct segments, creating isolated electrical zones. This segmentation approach provides effective insulation without requiring complete encapsulation or complex insulating structures around each conductor. The partition segments the electrical pathways, preventing short-circuits while maintaining a simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If conductive elements are left exposed for ease of connection, then ease of operation is improved, but electrostatic discharge damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric separating partition is pre-installed between conductive elements before connection operations. This preliminary protective measure is already in place when components are handled and connected, preventing electrostatic discharge damage from the outset. The partition serves as a pre-established protective barrier that does not interfere with connection ease while providing continuous protection against static electricity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 prevents the formation of electric arcs between conductive elements, protecting them from short-circuits and electrostatic discharges, ensuring reliable operation in conductive environments.

Implementation Method 1

the dimensions of said separating partition being adapted so that the shortest path between said adjacent portions, by bypassing said separating partition, corresponds to an instability threshold for an electric arc that is likely to be established between said adjacent portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric arc instability: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

This local plasma, while expanding, will make the medium conductive and establish a short-circuit between the two conductive elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

at least one separating partition made of dielectric material inserted between said adjacent portions of said conductive elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8933337B2Device for preventing the establishment of an electric arc between two conductive elements

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 CENT NAT DETUD SPATIALES (CNES)

AI summary

The invention concerns a device for preventing the establishment of an electric arc between adjacent portions (9) having no electrical insulation of at least two electrically conductive elements (7). According to the invention, the device comprises at least one separating partition (13) made of dielectric material inserted between said adjacent portions (9) of said conductive elements (7), the dimensions of said separating partition (13) being adapted so that the shortest path between said adjacent portions (9), by bypassing said separating partition (13), corresponds to an instability threshold for an electric arc that is likely to be established between said adjacent portions.