Electrical Contact Device with Rotating Support for Insulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contact devices face challenges in maintaining high insulation capacity in the cut-off position while effectively utilizing electromagnetic forces to prevent contact welding during high-intensity currents, as longer and closer current paths reduce the distance between contact elements, compromising insulation.
Innovation Solution
The electrical contact device features a movable axis of rotation mounted on a support relative to the fixed contact element, allowing the movable contact element to move between cut-off and contact positions by translating the support, thereby maintaining distance and utilizing electromagnetic forces to increase the contact force without reducing insulation capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the current paths are made longer and closer to each other to improve electromagnetic force utilization, then the pressing force of the movable contact element on the fixed contact element is improved, but the insulation capacity in the cut-off position deteriorates due to reduced distance between contact elements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent systems: a movable contact element system (with first current path) and a fixed contact element system (with second current path). Each system has its own support structure, allowing the movable support to be displaced independently without affecting the fixed contact element position. This segmentation enables the current paths to be positioned closer together while maintaining adequate insulation distance between contact elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single rigid support structure to a two-dimensional displacement system where the movable support can move relative to the fixed support. By introducing relative displacement in one dimension, the patent achieves both goals: current paths can be positioned optimally close together (improving electromagnetic force) while contact elements maintain sufficient separation distance (preserving insulation capacity).
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 design enhances the insulation capacity in the cut-off position while effectively managing electromagnetic forces to prevent contact welding, ensuring reliable operation under high-intensity currents.
Implementation Method 1
said first and second current paths being electrically connected to each other in a direction specific to undergo, in the event of circulation of current, an electromagnetic force converted, by rotation of the mobile contact element around the axis of rotation, into a pressing force of this mobile contact element on the fixed contact element
Implementation Method 2
limit the release of heat by Joule effect, which results from the passage of this electric current, to a value lower than that for which the fixed and movable contact elements risk welding together
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The device has a movable contact element (2) moving between cut-off and contact positions relative to a fixed contact element (1). Current paths (31, 32) are connected together in a direction to undergo an electromagnetic force produced by flow of current. The force is converted into a support force to support the movable contact element by rotating the movable contact element around a rotation axle (X) on a support (41). The movable contact element moves between the positions by the movement of support. A distance between the paths remains constant during the movement of the contact element.