Integrated Insulating Spark Gap Base for Compact Surge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection solutions for electrical equipment require additional space in switchboards due to the need for insulating spark gaps and interconnecting conductors, which also increase residual voltage stress on protected devices.
Innovation Solution
An overvoltage protection system with an integrated insulating spark gap, featuring a U-shaped base with earthing and phase clamps, and replaceable protection modules. The spark gap is connected via a strip to the earthing clamp, reducing the need for external components and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulating spark gap is located in another exchange module, then the protection function is achieved, but the device width increases and occupies more space in the switchboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulating spark gap with the base structure by integrating it into the jumper component. The spark gap is electrically connected to the phase conductor jumper through a conductive connection, merging two previously separate functions (protection and connection) into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for additional exchange modules and reducing overall device width.
2Reliability
If external conductors are used to connect protection components, then the protection function is achieved, but the inductance of conductors increases the residual voltage stress on protected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful inductance from the system by eliminating external interconnecting conductors. Instead of using separate conductors to connect the spark gap to the phase conductor, the invention integrates the spark gap directly into the jumper structure, thereby removing the source of parasitic inductance that causes residual voltage stress.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for overvoltage protection, then the protection function is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate protection components into a single integrated base structure. The insulating spark gap, conductive connections, and jumper functionality are combined into one unified component assembly, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the overvoltage protection function.
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 effectively reduces the spatial requirements in switchboards while maintaining effective overvoltage protection, thereby reducing investment costs and minimizing residual voltage stress on protected devices.
Implementation Method 1
the other end of the separation spark gap is electrically connected via a strip to at least one earthing clamp
Implementation Method 2
insulating spark gap in base... for the protective earthing conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Overvoltage protection with insulating spark gap in the U-shaped base (1) comprising earthing clamps (5) and phase clamps (4) and at least two replaceable protection modules (2) with contacts for insertion into holes in inputs (3) of the phase clamps (4) and into the holes in a jumper (7), to which one end of an insulating spark gap (6) is electrically connected, wherein the other end of the insulating spark gap (6) is connected via a strip (8) and/or a screw and/or a solder to at least one earthing clamp (5). The connection is made with an electrically conductive connection, wherein an axis (10) of the insulating spark gap (6) is at perpendicular direction to the upper surface of the jumper (7).