Projectile Circuit Switch for Fast Relay Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays take a long time to switch from an interrupted state to a conductive state, leading to potential defects such as excessive current causing failure in electric devices.
Innovation Solution
An electric circuit switching device that uses a projectile with conductivity, propelled by combustion gas, to engage with conductor pieces, rapidly switching the electric circuit from an interrupted state to a conductive state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic relays are used to switch the electric circuit, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the switching time is long causing excessive current defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation mechanism with a combustion-driven mechanical projection system. The igniter generates combustion gas that propels the projectile through the tubular space, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and coils. This substitution achieves extremely fast switching speeds by using chemical energy conversion to mechanical motion, directly addressing the slow switching time issue of traditional electromagnetic relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rapid cyclic process: the igniter is activated, combustion gas is generated instantaneously, the projectile is propelled forward, makes contact with the conductor pieces, and completes the circuit switching. This periodic action of rapid combustion and projection eliminates the time delay inherent in electromagnetic buildup and collapse, achieving near-instantaneous circuit switching.
2Loss of time
If a projectile is projected using combustion gas, then the switching time is significantly shortened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching device into distinct functional segments: the igniter module for combustion initiation, the tubular space for gas containment and projectile acceleration, the projectile as the moving contact element, and the conductor pieces as the circuit terminals. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by clearly defining the function and boundaries of each part.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion gas acts as an intermediary medium that transfers energy from the igniter to the projectile. Instead of direct mechanical contact or electromagnetic coupling, the gas serves as the force transmission medium, enabling rapid energy transfer and projectile acceleration. This intermediary approach simplifies the energy conversion process while achieving the desired fast switching performance.
3Productivity
If the projectile is made conductive and projected to contact conductor pieces, then circuit switching speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is designed with a conductive path that maintains electrical equipotentiality during its projection and contact process. The conductive material and geometry are configured to ensure uniform electric field distribution and reliable electrical contact with the conductor pieces, reducing sensitivity to minor positioning variations and simplifying manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile features an asymmetric design with a pointed leading end for aerodynamic efficiency and a broader contact surface for reliable electrical connection. The tubular space and conductor pieces are positioned asymmetrically to guide the projectile's trajectory and ensure proper alignment upon contact. This asymmetric configuration naturally compensates for manufacturing variations and achieves consistent contact without requiring extremely tight tolerances.
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 device significantly shortens the time required for switching, effectively preventing failures due to excessive current and ensuring quick protection of electric devices.
Implementation Method 1
an igniter provided in the housing and configured to release a combustion gas upon actuation
Implementation Method 2
projectile having conductivity, positioned at a first position in the tubular space in an initial state before actuation of the igniter, and configured to be projected in a predetermined projecting direction along the tubular space by energy of the combustion gas
Implementation Method 3
the projectile deforms by collision with the support
Implementation Method 4
the projectile and each of the pair of first conductor pieces come into contact with each other, and the projectile becomes engaged with the pair of first conductor pieces
Data Source
AI summary
An electric circuit switching device includes an igniter provided in a housing; a tubular space formed in the housing; a projectile having conductivity, provided at a first position in the tubular space in an initial state before actuation of the igniter, and configured to be projected in a predetermined projecting direction by energy of the combustion gas; a pair of first conductor pieces provided inserted, in a spaced apart state, into the tubular space at a second position closer to the projecting direction side than the first position; and a support disposed closer to the projecting direction side than the first position in the tubular space, and configured to receive, at the second position, the projectile projected by actuation of the igniter.