Horn Spark Gap Trigger Disconnection Under Power 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 overload conditions without indicating incorrect function, especially when faced with power follow-on currents that differ from normal behavior.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a fusible link as an evaluation unit within the spark gap's chamber, which melts and activates a disconnecting element to interrupt the trigger electrode's connection, allowing for defined disconnection of the trigger circuit based on specific load conditions, thereby preventing irreversible damage and ensuring proper function upon subsequent activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trigger electrode is arranged in the ignition region of a horn spark gap, then the spark gap can be activated for overvoltage protection, but the trigger circuit may fail to disconnect properly during overload conditions with power follow-on currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of trigger circuit disconnectionVSAvoidcomplexity of disconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A fusible link is introduced as an intermediary component between the power follow-on current and the trigger circuit. The fusible link acts as a mediator that converts excessive current into thermal energy, melting and breaking the circuit when overload occurs, thereby enabling reliable disconnection without complex sensing or control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic disconnection mechanisms with a thermal field-based solution. Instead of using mechanical switches or electronic control circuits to detect and interrupt the trigger circuit, the invention uses the thermal effect of excessive current to melt the fusible link, achieving disconnection through thermal-mechanical transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the spark gap is exposed to power follow-on currents, then it can handle surge loads, but the trigger electrode may indicate incorrect function after overload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurge handling capacityVSAvoidaccuracy of function indication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into two independent paths: the power follow-on current path and the trigger circuit path. The fusible link is placed specifically in the trigger circuit path, allowing the power path to continue handling surges while the trigger path is selectively interrupted when overload occurs, preventing incorrect function indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fusible link is designed as a disposable protective element that is intentionally made to fail under overload conditions. Once the fusible link melts and disconnects the trigger circuit, it cannot be reset and must be replaced, ensuring that the spark gap system reliably indicates when it has been overloaded and needs maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If a fusible link is used to evaluate loading conditions, then precise disconnection can be achieved, but the device requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of overload detectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fusible link performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a current carrier, a measurement element for detecting overload conditions, and a disconnection mechanism. By selecting appropriate material and dimensional parameters, the fusible link automatically senses excessive current through Joule heating and disconnects the circuit when the thermal energy exceeds its melting point, eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables precise disconnection of the trigger circuit during overload, maintaining the surge withstand capacity and continuous breakdown strength of the spark gap, ensuring reliable operation and preventing malfunction, even after disconnection, by using a fusible link that evaluates loading conditions and trips the disconnecting device.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a fusible link as an evaluation unit within the spark gap's chamber, which melts and activates a disconnecting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

Overvoltage protection arrangement with a horn spark gap, located in a housing, with a chamber for arc quenching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArc discharge: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

chamber for arc quenching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArc quenching:

Data Source

PatentUS12057283B2Overvoltage protection arrangement with a horn spark gap, located in a housing, with a chamber for arc quenching

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 DEHN SOHNE GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an overvoltage protection arrangement comprising a horn spark gap located in a housing, with a chamber for arc quenching, wherein a trigger electrode is located in the ignition region of the horn spark gap, wherein a disconnecting element is provided that interrupts a connection between a trigger circuit and the trigger electrode, and thus disconnects the trigger electrode, wherein the disconnecting element is tripped or controlled by an evaluation unit that is subject to and reacts to the loading of a power follow-on current.