Dual-Moving Isolating Switch Contacts for Faster Arc Extinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolation switches face challenges in mitigating contact burning due to arcing, as the mechanical limitations of contact separation speed hinder effective arc extinction, leading to reduced electrical life and internal electric field distribution issues.
Innovation Solution
The isolation switch design incorporates two moving contacts that move simultaneously towards or away from each other, doubling the contact opening/closing speed, thereby elongating the arc to extinction more quickly and reducing burning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact separation speed is increased to mitigate contact burning, then the arc extinction efficiency is improved, but the mechanical characteristics limit the maximum separation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single contact separation action into two simultaneous moving contacts (first moving contact and second moving contact) that separate in opposite directions. This segmentation allows the total separation distance to be achieved faster by having both contacts move simultaneously, thereby increasing the effective contact separation speed beyond mechanical limitations of a single contact system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional contact separation (one moving contact moving away from static contact) to a two-dimensional separation system where two moving contacts move in opposite directions along the same axis. This dimensional expansion of the separation mechanism effectively doubles the separation speed capability while maintaining compatibility with existing mechanical drive characteristics.
2Productivity
If two moving contacts are used to double the contact opening/closing speed, then the arc extinction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two moving contacts into a single coordinated system where both contacts are driven by the same drive means. This merging approach allows the system to achieve doubled contact opening/closing speed while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration and shared control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive means is designed to simultaneously control both the first moving contact and the second moving contact, making it a multi-functional component that performs the work of what would traditionally require separate drive mechanisms. This universality reduces the overall complexity increase that would result from adding a second moving contact system.
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 design effectively mitigates contact burning and increases the electrical life of the switch by rapidly extinguishing arcs, enhancing the switch's operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the arc produced between the contacts can be elongated rapidly; this results in a sharp drop in electric field strength in the arc gap, so that the arc is rapidly extinguished
Data Source
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AI summary
The present utility model relates to an isolating switch, comprising: a first static conductor, connected to an external conductor, forming a sleeve shape, and having a first inner cavity and a first inner surface provided with a first electrically conductive part; a first moving contact, arranged in the first inner cavity, in electrical communication with the first static conductor by means of the first electrically conductive part, and capable of moving along a length direction of the sleeve; a second moving contact, arranged coaxially with and separated from the first static conductor, forming a sleeve shape, having a second inner cavity and a second inner surface provided with a second electrically conductive part and a third electrically conductive part that are separated, and capable of moving along a length direction of the sleeve thereof; a second static conductor, arranged in the second inner cavity, in electrical communication with the second moving contact by means of the second electrically conductive part, and connected to another external conductor; a transmission apparatus, connected to the first and second moving contacts, and driving the first and second moving contacts to simultaneously move towards or away from each other, to cause the third electrically conductive part to be in contact with or to be separated from the first moving contact, so as to achieve the effects of accelerating opening speed, mitigating burning of the contact, and prolonging the electrical life of the isolating switch.