Equipotential Switch Contacts for Short-Circuit Arc Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power switches are prone to damage or destruction when subjected to short-circuit currents, leading to potential fires or explosions, and current solutions that increase robustness result in increased material usage and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an equipotential connecting member that maintains the fixed and movable contacts at the same electric potential during short-circuit events, preventing the formation of electric arcs and ensuring the switch remains functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional switches are used without equipotential connecting members, then the structure is simple and material usage is low, but the switch is damaged or destroyed by short-circuit currents leading to fires or explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by introducing equipotential connecting members that electrically connect fixed and movable contacts at the same potential during short-circuit events. This prevents potential differences between contacts, eliminating electric arc formation and enabling the switch to withstand short-circuit currents without damage.
2Reliability
If robust contact pressure springs are used to prevent contact separation, then contact reliability improves, but material usage increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on robust springs to maintain contact pressure, the patent uses equipotential connecting members to maintain electrical connection and equipotentiality between contacts during short-circuit events. This allows for reduced spring robustness and lower material usage while maintaining reliability.
3Force
If contact separation is allowed during short-circuit, then electrodynamic stresses are reduced, but electric arcs form causing welding and preventing circuit opening
Solution Approach 1:
The equipotential connecting members ensure that even if contacts separate during short-circuit events, the contacts remain at the same electric potential. This eliminates the conditions for electric arc formation, allowing contact separation without welding, while maintaining the ability to open the circuit when needed.
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 solution effectively withstands short-circuit currents without damage, allowing other protection devices to intervene and prevent circuit disruption, while also reducing material usage and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the equipotential connecting member is configured to press against the fixed contact and/or the movable contact in the closed position of the switch... maintain the fixed and the movable contacts pressed together... remain connected by the equipotential connecting member, thereby assuring that both contacts are at the same potential
Implementation Method 2
the equipotential connecting member is embodied as a flexible metal plate configured to exert pressure on the fixed contact and/or the movable contact
Implementation Method 3
the force exerted by the contact pressure springs (Fp)... electrodynamic repulsive forces (Fr) can sometimes be much greater than the force exerted by the contact pressure springs
Implementation Method 4
it generates electrodynamic stresses between the different parts of the circuit through which a current circulates. Forces of repulsion or attraction are generated according to the respective directions of the currents
Data Source
AI summary
A switch capable of withstanding short-circuit currents without being destroyed or deteriorated by the passage of such high currents includes at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, wherein the movable contact is displaceable between a closed position of the switch in which the fixed and the movable contacts are electrically connected, and an open position of the switch in which the fixed and movable contacts are separated. The switch includes at least one equipotential connecting member electrically connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact in the closed position of the switch, such that the fixed and the movable contacts are at the same electric potential, and wherein at least a part of the equipotential connecting member is pressed against the fixed contact and/or the movable contact in the closed position of the switch.