Pyrotechnic Disconnecting Switch for High Voltage Arc Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disconnecting switches for high DC and AC currents at high voltages face challenges in completely suppressing light arcs during disconnection, leading to potential damage and unsafe operation, especially in environments where manual switching is required and maintenance is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A disconnecting switch design featuring a connecting element with mechanical weaknesses and an insulating medium, such as quartz sand, within a housing that guides a switching piston to create a separating distance, which can be manually or pyrotechnically actuated to rapidly and reliably disconnect high currents without external effects, using a combination of mechanical and pyrotechnic means to manage light arcs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If mechanical separation is used to disconnect high voltage circuits, then the switching speed is slow, but the device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical separation system with a pyrotechnic initiation system. A pyrotechnic charge is used to rapidly separate the contact elements, achieving high switching speed without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms. The pyrotechnic charge provides the necessary force for rapid separation while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the pyrotechnic charge from solid to gas upon ignition. This phase transition generates a rapid expansion of gases that forcefully separate the contact elements, achieving extremely fast switching speeds. The phase transition mechanism converts chemical energy into mechanical work efficiently, providing rapid disconnection without complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shield covers are used to suppress light arcs, then light arc formation is complicated, but the suppression effectiveness is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight arc suppressionVSAvoidmechanical design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light arc suppression function from the mechanical shield cover system and implements it through the pyrotechnic separation mechanism itself. The rapid separation achieved by the pyrotechnic charge naturally limits light arc formation by quickly increasing the distance between contacts, eliminating the need for additional shield covers and simplifying the mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulating medium as an intermediary between the separating contact elements. This insulating medium facilitates light arc suppression by providing a non-conductive path during the separation process, allowing for simpler mechanical designs without requiring complex shield cover systems. The insulating medium acts as a mediator that enables effective light arc suppression while maintaining mechanical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If explosive charges are used for rapid disconnection, then the switching speed is improved, but external effects such as blast fumes and debris are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisconnection speedVSAvoidblast fumes and debris
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an inert atmosphere or sealed enclosure around the pyrotechnic charge to contain blast fumes and debris. The inert environment prevents harmful substances from escaping into the surrounding area, while still allowing the pyrotechnic charge to function effectively for rapid disconnection. This approach maintains high switching speed while eliminating external harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful blast fumes and debris into a beneficial contained expansion force. By directing the pyrotechnic charge's expansion within a controlled chamber or sealed environment, the harmful byproducts are contained and utilized to drive the separation mechanism, while the containment structure prevents them from becoming external hazards. The harmful effects are transformed into a controlled internal force that achieves the desired rapid disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of operation

If manual operation is required for switching, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability under maintenance-free conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual switching capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance-free operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the switching device with multi-functionality, allowing it to operate both manually and automatically. The pyrotechnic initiation system can be triggered by manual intervention or by automatic detection of fault conditions, providing universal operation capability. This dual-mode operation maintains ease of manual use while enhancing reliability for maintenance-free automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service capability through automatic fault detection and pyrotechnic actuation. The system can automatically detect abnormal conditions and trigger the pyrotechnic charge to disconnect the circuit without human intervention. This self-service function maintains reliability under maintenance-free conditions while preserving manual operation capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 suppresses light arcs, ensures safe operation, and allows for long-term maintenance-free operation, while being cost-effective and compatible with various safety systems, enabling reliable disconnection of high currents at high voltages.

Implementation Method 1

Gas pressure can be provided for the movement of the switching piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The combustion chamber can be filled with a propellant charge powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrotechnic combustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

The interior space of the housing is filled with insulating medium, which can be in this case granular insulating medium, for example quartz sand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10388481B2Disconnecting switch for high direct or alternating currents at high voltage
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 LELL PETER
  • US10388481B2 patent drawing
  • US10388481B2 patent drawing
  • US10388481B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switch (10), particularly a disconnecting switch (10) for high direct currents and alternating currents at high voltages, can be transferred from a conducting position into a disconnecting position. The switch (10) is includes a housing (12), a first contact (28), a second contact (30), a switching piston (24) guided by the housing (12) with a connecting element (22), which establishes an electrical connection in the connecting position between the first contact (28) and the second contact (30). The housing (12) defines an interior space surrounding the connecting element (22). The connecting element (22) extends at least partially in the interior space (18) and is filled with an insulating medium (20), and the switch is designed such that a mechanical movement of the switching piston (24) transfers the switch (10) from the connecting position into the disconnecting position. The switching piston (24) mechanically impacts the connecting element (22) such that the electrical connection between the first contact (28) and the second contact (30) is interrupted in at least one disconnecting location.