Circuit Interrupter Arc Runner Magnetic Field Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit interrupters face challenges in quickly and efficiently quenching electrical arcs, which can damage the contacts and reduce the device's lifespan, with existing solutions being either expensive or ineffective in rapid arc quenching.
Innovation Solution
A circuit interrupter design that utilizes a magnetic field generated by the flow of electricity through an arc runner to rapidly push the arc towards an arc splitter, enhancing the interruption and cooling of the arc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard circuit breaker design is used with basic arc quenching, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but the arc quenching is slow and contacts are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is generated in advance by positioning the conductor path through the arc runner before the arc actually forms. When the contacts open and an arc forms, the pre-positioned conductor path immediately generates a magnetic field that pushes the arc toward the arc splitter, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while achieving rapid arc quenching
Solution Approach 2:
The arc runner acts as an intermediary component between the conductor path and the arc splitter. It uses the magnetic field generated by the conductor path to mediate the arc's movement, guiding the arc from the contact area toward the arc splitter where it is quenched, thereby protecting the contacts without requiring direct complex mechanisms at the contact points
2Reliability
If expensive sealed arc chambers with quenching gas are used, then arc quenching is effective, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential arc quenching function from the complex sealed chamber and gas system. By using a magnetic field to push the arc toward a simple arc splitter, the patent achieves effective arc quenching without requiring expensive sealed chambers or specialized quenching gases, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The arc splitter is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be made from inexpensive materials. Rather than investing in expensive sealed chambers and gas systems, the patent uses a simple arc splitter that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, achieving cost-effective arc quenching
3Speed
If the conductor path is positioned to maximize magnetic field generation, then arc quenching speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor path is merged with the arc runner structure, combining the electrical conduction function with the magnetic field generation function for arc control. This integration achieves rapid arc quenching through optimized magnetic field positioning while avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms, thereby increasing speed without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 quenches the arc quickly, protecting the electrical contacts and extending the lifespan of the circuit interrupter, while being cost-effective and suitable for higher voltage ratings, thus reducing replacement costs and labor.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit interrupter design that utilizes a magnetic field generated by the flow of electricity through an arc runner
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field generated by the flow of electricity through an arc runner to rapidly push the arc towards an arc splitter
Implementation Method 3
enhancing the interruption and cooling of the arc
Implementation Method 4
quickly cool and quench the arc to prevent damage to the circuit interrupter
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact movable with respect to the first contact, an arcing chamber, and an arc splitter. The arc splitter is located on a first side of the first contact, as is an arc runner. An electrical conductor is connected to the arc runner having a first portion running from the first side of the first contact towards a second side of the first contact, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the first contact. A second portion is connected to the first portion and the second contact; the second portion is located on the second side of the first contact. A current running through the arc runner and the electrical conductor generates a magnetic force on the arc moving the arc toward the arc splitter.