High-Speed Closing Device with Segmented Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed closing devices for electric faults in switchgear require longer insulation distances and extended shift distances, leading to delayed short circuit closing operations, especially when one contact is formed between phases or electrodes, and variations in manufacturing can further prolong the time to complete the short circuit closing operation.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed closing device with two contacts in series, where the movable contactor has a hollow cylindrical shape with a gas generating portion, allowing for a shorter insulation distance and rapid connection between fixed contacts, utilizing a gas generating mechanism to accelerate the closing operation and reduce the time to establish a conductive path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one contact is formed between phases or electrodes to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the insulation distance must be extended, leading to increased shift distance and delayed closing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single contact structure is segmented into two separate contacts (first contact and second contact) that operate independently. This segmentation allows each contact to have a shorter insulation distance while maintaining overall functional equivalence, thereby reducing the shift distance and closing time without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the insulation distance is extended to prevent discharge between contacts, then the reliability is improved, but the shift distance of the movable contactor is extended, causing delayed closing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The total insulation distance requirement is segmented into two separate insulation distances (first insulation distance and second insulation distance). Each individual insulation distance can be shorter than the single insulation distance in conventional designs, while their combined effect maintains the required insulation performance. This enables faster closing operation without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation arrangement transitions from a single linear dimension to a two-dimensional configuration with multiple parallel insulation paths. This dimensional change allows the electrical insulation requirement to be satisfied through multiple shorter paths rather than one long path, reducing the movable contactor's shift distance and improving closing speed.
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing variations occur in the contactor components, then the ease of manufacture is improved with standard tolerances, but the closing operation time varies and is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor system is segmented into multiple independent contact elements rather than relying on a single critical contact. This segmentation reduces the impact of manufacturing variations on overall performance, as variations in individual contacts have less cumulative effect. The system can tolerate standard manufacturing tolerances without significant closing time variation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact elements can have locally optimized properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. This allows each contact to be manufactured with appropriate local tolerances and characteristics, reducing the propagation of manufacturing variations to the overall closing operation time while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 device achieves rapid short circuit closing by reducing the shift distance of the movable contactor and utilizing pressure variations from the gas generating portion to expedite the connection between phases or grounding, significantly reducing the time to extinguish the fault arc and minimize damage from electric faults.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generating portion (7), arranged at an hollow portion which is formed at inner portion of the movable contactor connection component
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pressure variations from the gas generating portion to expedite the connection between phases or grounding
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed closing device includes a first fixed contactor which is made from a conductive material; a second fixed contactor which is made from a conductive material, and faces the first fixed contactor so as to be arranged; and a movable contactor, of which a tip is made from a conductive material, which includes a hollow hole, in which an opposite side of the tip is opened, at an inner portion, and is separated from the first fixed contactor and the second fixed contactor with a distance being longer than an insulation distance so as to be arranged before the high-speed closing device is closed, and inserts the tip between the first fixed contactor and the second fixed contactor after the high-speed closing device is closed, and electrically connects the first fixed contactor and the second fixed contactor.