Disconnecting Device Arc Extinguishing Bolt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disconnecting devices for high-voltage energy conductors, such as those in electric or hybrid vehicles, fail to reliably extinguish electric arcs at disconnection points, particularly above 48 V, posing a safety risk to vehicle occupants due to temporary electrical connections and arc formation.
Innovation Solution
A disconnecting device that incorporates a bolt made of dielectric-resistant insulation material, which moves into the disconnection point to suppress or extinguish arcs, combined with a flowable medium driven by a compressed air or pyrotechnic drive, ensuring precise alignment and high-voltage capability up to 500 V.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pyrotechnic disconnecting devices are used to cut through energy conductors, then disconnection speed is improved, but arc formation occurs across the gap at the disconnection point causing temporary electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguishing medium is pre-positioned in the disconnecting device, ready to be deployed immediately when disconnection occurs. The medium is stored in a reservoir and can be rapidly injected into the arc path between connection parts, eliminating the delay that would occur if the extinguishing medium needed to be introduced after arc formation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
An arc extinguishing medium (such as sulfur hexafluoride gas, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powder) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the positively and negatively charged connection parts. This medium acts as a mediator that interrupts the arc path and prevents sustained electrical connection, allowing fast disconnection without harmful arcs.
2Reliability
If the disconnecting device is designed for high-voltage applications above 400 V, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases to handle higher currents and voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnecting device is designed with multi-functional components that can handle a wide range of voltages and currents. The arc extinguishing medium reservoir and delivery mechanism can operate effectively from 48 V up to 500 V and beyond, while the solid quenching elements provide universal protection across all voltage levels. This universality allows a single device design to serve multiple applications without requiring voltage-specific configurations, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high-voltage safety.
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 and reliably extinguishes arcs at high-voltage disconnection points, ensuring safe disconnection of high-current conductors, even above 400 V, by using a bolt and counter bearing with complementary shapes to 'cut off' arcs and a flowable medium to break open the disconnection point, thus preventing arc formation and ensuring occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
the flowable medium flows at least partially around the disconnection point at the moment of disconnection
Implementation Method 2
The bolt may be made of a dielectric resistant insulation material with low electrical conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disconnecting device for an energy conductor comprising at least one first connection part, at least one second connection part, at least one disconnection point arranged between the first and second connection parts, the disconnection point forming a current path between the first and second connection parts in a closed state and disconnecting a current path between the first and second connection parts in an open state, the disconnecting device having a flowable medium which is arranged in a guide housing and separates the disconnection point driven by a drive, the flowable medium at least partially surrounding the disconnection point at the moment of disconnection, and the disconnecting device having a bolt which is moved into the disconnection point immediately after the disconnection of the disconnection point by the flowable medium.