Relay Switch Device With Parallel Semiconductor Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactor-circuit breaker devices are inefficient in rapidly opening the mechanical switch to divert fault currents and achieving high isolation distances without increasing the device's volume or manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A contactor-circuit breaker device with a mechanical switch and a semiconductor current breaking module, where the mechanical switch is designed for rapid translation and rotation to achieve maximum opening configurations, and the semiconductor module is connected in parallel to quickly interrupt fault currents, utilizing a support member with both translation and rotational movement to ensure effective current diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the mechanical switch is designed for rapid opening to quickly divert fault currents, then the speed of fault current interruption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to perform both translational and rotational movements dynamically. The translational movement enables rapid opening of the mechanical switch for quick fault current interruption, while the rotational movement positions the semiconductor module in parallel with the contacts. This dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom design allows the system to achieve high speed operation without requiring an overly complex static structure.
2Reliability
If high isolation distances are achieved between contacts, then the reliability of current interruption is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member utilizes both translational movement (one dimension) and rotational movement (another dimension) to achieve the required isolation distance between contacts. By combining movements in multiple dimensions, the system can achieve high reliability through sufficient isolation distance without requiring a proportionally larger device volume, as the isolation is achieved through coordinated multi-dimensional motion rather than simply increasing linear dimensions.
3Productivity
If the semiconductor module is connected in parallel to quickly interrupt fault currents, then the productivity of fault current switching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor module is pre-positioned and electrically connected in parallel with the mechanical contacts through the support member's rotational positioning. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when a fault current occurs, the semiconductor module is already in place and can immediately divert the fault current without requiring additional complex switching mechanisms or reconfiguration, thereby achieving high productivity while limiting complexity.
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
Enables rapid switching of fault currents and achieves significant isolation distances without increasing the device's size or costs, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a current breaking module comprising a semiconductor device, the breaking module being connected in parallel to one of the pairs of contacts when the switch is in the open configuration and being suitable for, when the switch is in the opening configuration and an electric arc appears in at least one of the pairs of contacts, switching the current from the electric circuit to the breaking module and interrupting the current flowing in the electric circuit
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical switch comprising at least two pairs of contacts, each pair of contacts comprising a fixed contact and a movable contact adapted to be brought into contact, the fixed contacts being connected in series with an electric circuit, the mechanical switch being adapted to switch between a closed configuration of the electric circuit in which the fixed and movable contacts of each pair of contacts are in mechanical contact and an open configuration of the electric circuit in which the fixed and movable contacts of at least one pair of contacts are away from each other
Implementation Method 3
when the switch is in the opening configuration and an electric arc appears in at least one of the pairs of contacts
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The device (2) has a current switching module (6) including a transistor, and connected in parallel to a pair of contacts (10, 12) when a mechanical switch (4) is in an opening configuration of an electrical circuit (22). A moving apparatus (26) i.e. electromagnet, moves a support body (24) and includes a reinforcement part (44). The moving apparatus moves the reinforcement part such that the support body is switched between a closing configuration and the opening configuration of the electrical circuit by rotation and/or translatory movement.