Pyrotechnic Circuit Breaker Grease Layout for Fast Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic circuit breakers for motor vehicles require large quantities of flowable insulating materials, which can lead to leaks and compatibility issues, and suffer from longer opening times and degraded performance due to the use of silicone-based materials, while also failing to guarantee adequate insulation resistance after operation.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic circuit breaker design featuring a casing with connection terminals, an internal electrical circuit, a movable opening member, a pyrotechnic actuator, and an inner chamber with insulating grease applied to specific predetermined parts of the inner wall to cut leakage current paths, minimizing the amount of grease needed and ensuring high insulation resistance without interfering with the electric arc during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large quantity of flowable insulating material is used, then insulation resistance is improved, but device complexity and risk of leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating grease is applied selectively to specific predetermined parts of the inner wall where leakage current paths are most likely to occur, rather than coating the entire inner chamber. This localized application maintains insulation effectiveness while minimizing the quantity of material required, thus reducing complexity and leakage risk.
2Reliability
If silicone-based insulating material is used, then insulation properties are improved, but opening time increases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating grease from the conductor surface and opening zone areas, keeping it only in specific predetermined parts of the inner wall. This extraction of grease from critical operational areas eliminates the drag and interference that would otherwise slow down the opening operation, while maintaining insulation resistance in non-critical areas.
3Reliability
If insulating grease is placed close to the conductor, then insulation resistance is improved, but interference with electric arc occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating grease is positioned in predetermined parts of the inner wall that are strategically located away from the conductor and opening zone, creating a spatial separation between the grease and the electric arc path. This localized positioning allows the grease to provide insulation for leakage current paths while avoiding contact with and interference to the electric arc during circuit breaking operation.
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, efficient circuit breaker with rapid opening times and high insulation resistance, reducing the risk of leakage currents and extending the insulation resistance to over 30 Mohms, while minimizing the amount of insulating grease used and avoiding interference with the electric arc.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to move the opening member from the initial position to the final position
Implementation Method 2
an insulating grease, arranged in the inner chamber... the insulating grease is arranged on or covers at least two predetermined parts of the inner wall, in order to cut or cover or pass through leakage current paths present on the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
A pyrotechnic circuit breaker comprising: a casing, at least two connection terminals, an internal electrical circuit connecting the two connection terminals and formed for example by an electrical conductor, an opening member, which is movable and arranged to open a part to be opened of the internal electrical circuit when moving between an initial position and a final position, so as to form at least two discrete portions of conductor after opening, a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to move the opening member from the initial position to the final position, an inner chamber defined by an internal wall formed in the casing, and receiving the part to be opened, an insulating grease, arranged in the inner chamber, wherein the insulating grease is arranged on or covers at least two predetermined parts of the internal wall.