Multi-pole Spark Gap for Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple spark gaps for lightning protection require significant installation space and effort due to their modular design, necessitating multiple arrangements for each phase and additional protection, which is impractical in limited installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-pole spark gap design featuring stacked individual spark gaps with ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrode plates and insulating discs, integrated into a single device with a conductive contact plate for simplified assembly and reduced space requirements, incorporating a quadruple arrangement of spark gaps for three-phase and PE connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional modular spark gaps are arranged for each phase and PE connection, then complete lightning protection coverage is achieved, but installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent spark gap devices (three-phase spark gaps and PE-N spark gap) into a single integrated housing. The housing contains multiple chambers, each housing a spark gap assembly, allowing all protective functions to be consolidated in one unit rather than requiring separate modular installations for each phase and PE connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation for all spark gaps, houses connection terminals for all phases and PE connection, and offers a unified mounting structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining complete protective coverage.
2Reliability
If conventional modular spark gaps are arranged for each phase and PE connection, then complete lightning protection coverage is achieved, but assembly work increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple spark gap assemblies into a single housing unit that is installed as one complete assembly. This eliminates the need to separately install and connect multiple independent spark gap devices, significantly reducing assembly work while maintaining complete protective coverage for all phases and PE connections.
3Reliability
If multiple spark gap devices are arranged next to each other, then complete lightning protection coverage is achieved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple spark gap devices into a single integrated unit with a common housing and unified mounting structure. This allows the entire lightning protection system to be handled, transported, and installed as one unit rather than managing multiple separate devices, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining complete protective coverage.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-assemble multi-pole spark gap that reduces space requirements and assembly effort, integrating a quadruple spark gap arrangement within a single device, thus enhancing handling and reducing overall volume compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating material housing (1) which has a plurality of chambers (2, 3, 4) insulated from one another
Implementation Method 2
a first contact plate (9) made of electrically conductive material, which is applied to the open side of the housing and is connected to the insulating material housing (1) in a suitable manner. This contact plate (9) is on the one hand contacted with the spark gaps (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multiple spark route for lightning protection composed of spark gaps arranged between connecting contact plates and contact plates with connecting members used for electric conductors. An insulation material housing (1) with a plurality of mutually isolated chambers (2, 3, 4) is arranged. The connecting contact plates (6) are inserted, and then the spark gaps (7) in contact with the spark gas are further inserted. The connecting members (8) respectively used for the electric conductors (8) are separately lead out of the outer side of the insulation material housing (1) through the housing body wall. An open side of the housing is covered by a first contact plate (9) made of conductive materials. The first contact plate (9) is in contact with the spark gaps (7) in a side, back on to the connecting contact plates, of the first contact plate. The first contact plate (9) is connected to the insulation material housing (1) through the connecting members. The first contact plate has the connecting members used for the electric conductors (8).