Interrupter Particle Extraction Using Actuator Cycling and Vacuum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle extraction systems for electrical interrupters are inadequate in removing unwanted particles generated during manufacturing and break-in periods, which can lead to dielectric failures and undesirable arcing due to particle alignment and electrostatic attraction.
Innovation Solution
A particle extraction system that uses de-ionized air and actuation mechanisms to dislodge and capture particles within the interrupter, employing a combination of vacuum and compressed air flow, inertial separators, and electronic control systems to ensure thorough particle removal and prevention of re-attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a particle extraction system is implemented to remove unwanted particles, then particle-related failures and arcing are prevented, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The particle extraction system is nested within the interrupter housing structure. The housing serves dual purposes: as the structural enclosure and as the particle extraction chamber. The actuator system, fluid source, and vacuum slot are integrated into the existing interrupter components, eliminating the need for separate external extraction equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupter's own actuator system is utilized to cycle the interrupter and release particles during the extraction process. The system uses its existing mechanical components for particle dislodgement rather than requiring separate vibration or agitation mechanisms. The fluid source and vacuum slot work together using the interrupter's internal flowpaths, making the extraction process self-contained.
2Reliability
If de-ionized air and compressed fluid flow are used to dislodge particles, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle extraction process uses periodic cycling of the interrupter actuator system rather than continuous operation. The actuator cycles the interrupter to dislodge particles in periodic bursts, and the vacuum slot operates intermittently to capture particles during specific phases of the cycle. This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous fluid flow or constant actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses de-ionized air as the fluid medium for particle extraction. Compressed air flow is directed through the interrupter's internal flowpaths to entrain and transport particles to the vacuum slot. Using pneumatic principles with air instead of liquid fluids reduces energy requirements and simplifies the system while maintaining effective particle removal.
3Reliability
If the interrupter is cycled to release particles, then particle dislodgement is improved, but the break-in period and testing time are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The particle extraction system performs particle removal as a preliminary action before the interrupter enters commercial use or before final testing. By extracting particles in advance using the vacuum slot and de-ionized air flow, the system eliminates the need for extended break-in periods that would otherwise be required to wear down and remove manufacturing particles. This preliminary particle extraction accelerates the timeline to operational readiness.
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
Effectively reduces particle-related failures and extends the service life of electrical interrupters by ensuring cleanliness and preventing arcing, with the system capable of pre-commercial use, maintenance, and testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid source delivering de-ionized air through internal flowpaths formed within the interrupter
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum slot capturing the particles and the de-ionized air
Implementation Method 3
an actuator system operable for cycling the electrical interrupter to release particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A particle extraction system for an electrical interrupter is disclosed in the present application. The particle extraction system includes a support bay configured to hold an electrical interrupter in position during a particle extraction event. An actuator system is operable for cycling the interrupter to dislodge and release foreign particles internal to the interrupter. A fluid source and pumping system is in fluid communication with at least one internal flowpath within the interrupter to entrain and transport the released particle from the interrupter. A vacuum slot is operable for receiving a fluid flow with entrained particles and transporting the particles to a particle capture device.