Multi-Spark Gap Clamping Assembly for Reliable Electrode Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-spark gaps face challenges in making electrical contact between electrodes, especially as the degree of integration increases, leading to difficulties in maintaining insulation intervals and achieving reliable contact, particularly with thinner electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A holding arrangement with electrically conductive clamping and connecting elements, including spring elements, simplifies electrical contact by mechanically connecting and prestressing the electrodes, allowing for a compact design and reducing the risk of damage during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the degree of integration is increased and thinner electrodes are used, then the compactness of the multi-spark gap is improved, but the difficulty of making reliable electrical contact on lateral surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making contact on the lateral surfaces of thin electrodes (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by making contact on the front sides of the electrodes through clamping elements. This inversion allows reliable electrical contact while maintaining compact dimensions, as the clamping elements can effectively contact the larger front surface area of the electrodes rather than their narrow lateral edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces clamping elements as intermediary components that facilitate electrical contact between the electrodes and the external circuit. These clamping elements serve as mediators that can reliably contact the electrode front surfaces and transmit electrical signals, solving the problem of difficult contact on thin lateral surfaces while preserving the compact integrated design.
2Reliability
If multiple individual spark gaps are stacked to improve power-follow current extinguishing capacity, then the extinguishing capacity is improved, but the response voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a specific number of spark gaps (three in the embodiment) that provides sufficient power-follow current extinguishing capacity without excessive response voltage. This optimized configuration achieves the necessary reliability for protecting against overvoltages while keeping the response voltage at an acceptable level for the protected system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are made to contact electrodes on lateral surfaces, then the ignition behavior can be controlled, but the expenditure and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the electrodes, ensure reliable electrical contact between electrodes and external circuit, and facilitate the connection of control elements to the electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity and expenditure compared to having separate components for each function.
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 enables reliable and simplified electrical contact among electrodes, facilitating a compact multi-spark gap design while reducing the risk of damage to contact elements during mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The at least first connecting element has a ramped bias voltage area in the area of an insertion end. When assembling the multi-spark gap, the at least first connecting element is directed past the contact elements with the bias voltage area in such a way that the contact elements are prestressed.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-spark gap for an overvoltage protector, having multiple electrodes and insulation elements arranged between the electrodes, a holding arrangement for mechanical holding and for making electrical contact with the electrodes of the multi-spark gap, wherein the holding arrangement has at least a first electrically conductive clamping element, a second electrically conductive clamping element, and a first electrically conductive connecting element, wherein the electrodes are arranged between the first clamping element and the second clamping element, wherein the first clamping element makes electrical contact with the first electrode of the multi-spark gap, and wherein the second clamping element makes electrical contact with the last electrode of the multi-spark gap, and wherein the at least first connecting element mechanically connects the first clamping element and the second clamping element to one another.