Interrupter Tube with Segmented Permanent Magnets for Arc Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers face challenges in effectively propelling and evacuating electric arcs during low-intensity direct current breaks, as the electromagnetic force is insufficient to overcome the magnetic field's limitations, often causing arcs to be attracted towards the flange rather than being evacuated to the extinguishing chamber.
Innovation Solution
The proposed interrupting chamber design includes a stack of deionization plates with a reinforced induction section and a deflection section, utilizing permanent magnets arranged behind the flanges to generate a stronger magnetic field for arc propulsion and a weaker field for deflection, ensuring effective arc evacuation and preventing sticking to the flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a permanent magnet is arranged between the cheek and the circuit breaker case wall to propel the arc, then the arc can be evacuated during low-intensity direct current breaks, but the magnetic field may attract the arc towards the flange and prevent its progress towards the extinguishing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet is divided into two distinct parts: a first part arranged in the reinforced induction section and a second part arranged in the deflection section. This segmentation allows each part to perform a specific function - the first part propels the arc while the second part deflects it away from the flange, resolving the contradiction between arc evacuation and arc progression.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the arc forming chamber are given different magnetic field characteristics. The reinforced induction section has a stronger magnetic field for propulsion, while the deflection section has a weaker magnetic field for steering. This local differentiation of magnetic field strength allows the arc to be both evacuated and directed towards the extinguishing chamber simultaneously.
2Speed
If the electromagnetic force is used to propel the arc during high-intensity current breaks, then the arc can be quickly evacuated, but this force is insufficient during low-intensity direct current breaks
Solution Approach 1:
Permanent magnets are introduced as an intermediary mechanism to assist arc evacuation. These magnets provide an additional magnetic force that supplements the electromagnetic force, ensuring reliable arc evacuation during low-intensity direct current breaks where the electromagnetic force alone is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength is enhanced by introducing permanent magnets with specific magnetic properties. This changes the parameter of magnetic force available for arc propulsion, making it sufficient for both high-intensity and low-intensity current breaks.
3Force
If the magnetic field is strengthened to effectively propel the arc, then arc evacuation is improved, but the arc may be attracted towards the flange and stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field configuration is made asymmetric through the strategic placement of permanent magnets in different locations and orientations. The first part of the magnet creates a strong field for propulsion while the second part creates a weaker field for deflection, breaking the symmetry that would otherwise cause harmful arc attraction to the flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the permanent magnet is positioned to create a deflection field that counteracts the harmful attraction of the arc towards the flange before this attraction can prevent arc evacuation. This preliminary anti-action ensures the arc is steered away from the flange while still being propelled towards the extinguishing chamber.
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
This configuration enhances the magnetic force for propelling arcs towards the extinguishing chamber, ensuring effective arc extinguishing and preventing arc sticking, even during low-intensity current breaks, by doubling the magnetic force and strategically deflecting the arc to maintain sufficient magnetic force along the longitudinal axis.
Implementation Method 1
permanent magnets arranged behind at least the first cheek... generating in the median longitudinal plane of said section a magnetic field making it possible to propel the electric arc
Implementation Method 2
deflection section comprising a second part of the permanent magnets generating in the median longitudinal plane of said section a magnetic field substantially weaker than that generated by the first part of the permanent magnets and allowing the electric arc to be deflected
Implementation Method 3
arc extinguishing chamber formed by a stack of deionization plates
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A breaking chamber (4) comprising an arc-quenching chamber (21) formed by a stack of deionization plates (22) and an arc-forming chamber (11) delimited by a first and a second cheek (12, 13), said breaking chamber being equipped with permanent magnets arranged behind at least the first cheek (12), wherein the arc-forming chamber comprises: - a reinforced induction section (31) where the arc is propelled towards the arc-quenching chamber by a first portion (32, 33) of the permanent magnets, and - a deflection section (51) where the arc is deflected towards the first cheek by a second portion (52) of the permanent magnets, the magnetic field in the median longitudinal plane generated by the second portion being substantially weaker than that generated by the first portion. A circuit breaker comprising separable contacts (1, 2) and the breaking chamber (4) described above.