Pyrotechnic Circuit Interrupter for Irreversible Current Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric circuits face challenges in redirecting current from a primary branch to an alternative branch without causing re-establishment of the circuit, deflection, vibration of interrupting elements, generation of electric arcs, overheating, or short-circuits during interruption.
Innovation Solution
An electric circuit design featuring a basic electric conductor with a removable section having a mechanically weakened area, connected in parallel to an alternative conductor with a pyrotechnic actuator that displaces the section into an insulating gap between conductive sections of the alternative conductor upon predetermined conditions, ensuring irreversible interruption of the primary branch and redirection of current through the alternative conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interrupting element is used to redirect current from primary branch to alternative conductor, then current redirection is achieved, but the interrupting element may deflect or vibrate causing re-establishment of the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interrupting element from the circuit after it has served its purpose of redirecting current. The removable section is physically taken out from the primary branch and placed in an isolation chamber, eliminating the risk of deflection or vibration that would cause re-establishment of the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (pyrotechnic actuator) that mediates the interruption process. The actuator provides controlled mechanical force to separate the conductive section from the primary branch, ensuring stable and reliable current redirection without the interrupting element experiencing harmful vibrations or deflections.
2Reliability
If current is interrupted by conventional means, then current redirection occurs, but electric arcs may be generated causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pyrotechnic actuator that rapidly propels the removable conductive section out of the primary branch and into the isolation chamber. This rushing through action occurs so quickly that the current interruption is completed before an electric arc can form, eliminating the harmful effect of arc generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a predetermined isolation chamber with insulating properties before the interruption occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the conductive section is removed, it is immediately isolated in a controlled environment that prevents arc generation, rather than allowing arcs to form in uncontrolled spaces.
3Productivity
If the primary branch is interrupted to redirect current, then alternative conductor becomes active, but the interrupted circuit may be re-established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically extracts the removable conductive section from the primary branch and places it in an isolation chamber. This extraction ensures the interruption is permanent and irreversible, as the conductive element is no longer in position to re-establish the circuit. The alternative conductor becomes actively engaged while the primary branch remains reliably interrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable conductive section functions as a disposable element that is used once to redirect current and then discarded into the isolation chamber. This short-living component approach ensures permanent interruption, as the element is not returned to service and cannot cause re-establishment of the primary branch circuit.
4Reliability
If interrupting elements are used to redirect current, then primary branch is interrupted, but overheating of conductors or contact surfaces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic actuator propels the removable conductive section through the interruption zone so rapidly that the duration of current interruption is minimized. This rushing through action reduces the time during which resistive heating can occur, preventing overheating of conductors and contact surfaces while still achieving reliable current redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the isolation chamber with appropriate thermal and electrical insulation properties before the interruption occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the conductive section is removed, any residual energy is contained in a thermally managed environment, preventing overheating of surrounding conductors and contact surfaces.
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 effectively redirects current without re-establishing the primary branch circuit, preventing deflection, vibration, arc generation, or overheating, ensuring a stable and irreversible interruption.
Implementation Method 1
said removable section is separable apart from the rest of said branch and displaceable into said gap in order to remain jammed between both sections of the alternative electric conductor by means of a pressure which is established by means of explosion of chemical reactants within said pyrotechnic actuator
Implementation Method 2
said removable section is separable apart from the rest of said branch and displaceable into said gap in order to remain jammed between both sections of the alternative electric conductor by means of a pressure which is established by means of explosion of chemical reactants within said pyrotechnic actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Alternatively changeable electric circuit, comprising at least a source (1) of a direct or alternative voltage, at least one electric load (L), which is via a primary branch (21) and a secondary branch (22) of a basic electric conductor (2) electrically connected with said electric voltage source (1), wherein an alternative conductor (23) is connected in parallel to said basic electric conductor (2), so that in each predetermined circumstances i.e. by fulfilling each predetermined conditions said primary branch (21 ) is physically interrupted, upon which the electric current, which initially flowed through said primary branch (21), is then redirected through said alternative electric conductor (23). The invention provides that said alternative conductor (23), which is in parallel connected with each corresponding branch (21) of said basic conductor (2), consists of two electric conductive sections (231, 232), which are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, so that an electrically insulating gap (G) is formed there-between, and that said branch (21) of the basic conductor (21) includes an electrically conductive section (210), which in each predetermined circumstances i.e. by fulfilling each predetermined conditions removable from the rest of said branch (21) and displaceable into said gap (G) between said sections (231, 232) of the alternative conductor (23), which herewith becomes bridged and electrically conductive. The invention also includes a method for changing of electric current path within an electric circuit.