Dielectric-Insulated Mechanical Switch for Arc-Suppressed EMP Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Previous methods for generating high voltage electromagnetic pulses face issues with arcing in mechanical switches and limited voltage hold-off in pressurized spark gap switches, making them unsuitable for various applications.

Innovation Solution

Immersing mechanical contact switches in a gas or liquid dielectric to minimize arcing and using dielectric-insulated mechanical switches that can operate across a wide range of voltages, allowing the contacts to nearly touch before current arcs, thus limiting the impact on the rise rate of the pulse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical spring or actuator electrode switches are used to discharge capacitor energy, then the switch can physically contact to transfer energy, but severe arcing degrades the rise rate of the pulse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse rise rateVSAvoidarcing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric-filled switch housing is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical contacts. The dielectric material (gas or liquid) fills the housing and suppresses arcing between contacts during discharge, allowing reliable high-voltage pulse generation with controlled rise rates while eliminating the harmful arcing effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch housing is filled with an electrically insulating dielectric material that creates an inert electrical environment. This dielectric atmosphere prevents harmful arcing between contacts during the discharge process, enabling reliable operation across wide voltage ranges without contact degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pressurized spark gap switches are used to generate fast rise rate pulses, then non-contacting discharge is achieved, but the hold off voltage range is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehold off voltage rangeVSAvoidpulse generation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric material properties and filling pressure are optimized to enable the switch to operate reliably across a wide spectrum of hold-off voltages. By adjusting dielectric strength parameters and operating conditions, the switch achieves both broad voltage adaptability and reliable pulse generation without the limited voltage range of conventional spark gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If mechanical contact switches operate in air, then the structure is simple, but contacts arc over short distances prior to touching causing severe degradations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch structureVSAvoidcontact performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric-filled switch housing is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical contacts. The dielectric material (gas or liquid) fills the housing and suppresses arcing between contacts during discharge, allowing reliable high-voltage pulse generation with controlled rise rates while eliminating the harmful arcing effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enables the generation of high voltage electromagnetic pulses with controlled rise rates, suitable for both high and low voltage/current applications, and operates across a wide spectrum of hold-off voltages, improving the reliability and versatility of pulse generation systems.

Implementation Method 1

The use of the dielectric allows the contacts of the switch to almost physically touch before the current arc is drawn between the two contacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

This approach limits the impact on the rise rate of the electromagnetic pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArc suppression: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

A capacitive energy storage arrangement is coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply. The capacitive energy storage arrangement stores energy from the power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive energy storage: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

A pulse forming network forms frequency contents of a high voltage energy pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic pulse generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7485989B2Tunable electrical transient generator for electromagnetic pulser

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 L3HARRIS TECH INC

AI summary

A system for generating a high voltage energy pulse comprises a capacitive energy storage arrangement that is coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply. The capacitive energy storage arrangement stores energy from the power supply. The system also includes a pulse forming network for forming frequency contents of a high voltage energy pulse. A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to the capacitive energy storage arrangement and the pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form the high voltage energy pulse.