Horn Spark Gap Trigger Disconnection Under Follow-On Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection arrangements with horn spark gaps struggle to accurately disconnect the trigger circuit during power follow-on current overload without indicating incorrect function, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fusible link within the deionization chamber of the horn spark gap, which melts and trips a disconnecting element to deactivate the trigger circuit, ensuring disconnection without causing subsequent malfunctions, and utilizing a fusible link with a defined fuse integral value to evaluate loading conditions accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fusible link is used to disconnect the trigger circuit during power follow-on current overload, then the trigger circuit can be accurately disconnected without causing subsequent malfunctions, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fusible link is integrated within the deionization chamber structure, merging the protection function with the existing chamber components. The disconnecting element is mechanically coupled to the fusible link, combining the melting action directly with the disconnection mechanism, thereby reducing the need for separate protection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusible link automatically detects overload conditions through its own thermal response to excessive current and self-actuates the disconnection by melting and releasing the disconnecting element. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external detection circuits or control systems.
2Measurement precision
If the fusible link is located in the deionization chamber and exposed to power follow-on current, then precise overload detection is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fusible link is positioned at a specific location within the deionization chamber where it is optimally exposed to power follow-on current. This localized placement ensures that the link experiences the thermal effects of overload conditions before other components, enabling precise detection without requiring uniform precision throughout the entire device.
3Speed
If a disconnecting element supported by spring force is used, then the trigger circuit can be quickly disconnected upon fusible link melting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnecting element is pre-positioned in a closed state by spring force, ready to immediately open upon release. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the fusible link melts and releases the element, disconnection occurs instantly without requiring additional actuation steps or control signals.
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 allows for precise disconnection of the trigger circuit during power follow-on current overload, preventing irreversible damage and ensuring the spark gap responds with surge withstand capacity, maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the fusible link melts and trips a disconnecting element
Implementation Method 2
the fusible link is exposed there to the loading of a power follow-on current
Implementation Method 3
horn spark gap located in an insulating housing with a deionization chamber for arc quenching
Implementation Method 4
deionization chamber for arc quenching
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an overvoltage protection arrangement comprising a horn spark gap located in an insulating housing, with a deionization chamber for arc quenching, wherein the deionization chamber has a plurality of spaced quench plates and a trigger electrode is located in the ignition region of the horn spark gap, wherein a disconnecting device comprises a fusible link that is located in the region of the deionization chamber and is exposed there to a loading of a power follow-on current, wherein the fusible link holds a disconnecting element, preferably supported by spring force, in a first position, and on melting releases this disconnecting element in such a way that the disconnecting element adopts a second position wherein, on reaching the second position, an electrical connection to the trigger electrode is interrupted and the trigger electrode is thereby disconnected.