Rotary Switch Arc Extinguishing Structure for DC Power Cutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch technologies fail to effectively extinguish arcs, leading to potential deformation and melting of the switch due to high temperatures, posing safety risks and causing property losses.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with a switch unit featuring a movable contact that rotates relative to a static contact, utilizing an arc extinguishing structure with strategically angled and arranged gate plates to cover and extinguish the arc, enhancing the arc extinguishing effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional switch is used to cut off current, then the circuit can be opened, but an arc is generated that causes high temperature, deformation, and melting of the switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe operation of power supply systemVSAvoidarc damage to switch
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the magnetic field generated by the arc current itself to drive the arc into the extinguishing chamber. The magnetic element interacts with the arc current to produce a magnetic force that propels the arc away from the contact points and into the extinguishing chamber, converting the harmful arc current into a beneficial driving force for arc extinction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an extinguishing chamber as an intermediary structure between the contact points and the external environment. This chamber provides a controlled environment for arc extinction, isolating the arc from direct contact with surrounding components and providing a dedicated space for arc management with magnetic elements and extinction media.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the arc extinguishing structure is made larger to improve arc coverage, then the arc extinguishing effect is enhanced, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinguishing effectVSAvoidstructure of arc extinguishing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the arc extinguishing structure into multiple gate plates arranged in sequence within the extinguishing chamber. These gate plates create multiple barriers that the arc must pass through, effectively segmenting the extinction process. This segmentation allows the arc to be progressively cooled and extinguished over an extended path without requiring a single large monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the arc extinguishing path by arranging gate plates in a sequential manner that lengthens the arc's travel distance within the chamber. This dimensional extension of the extinction path allows for more effective arc cooling and extinction without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the switch device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 cuts off and extinguishes arcs by ensuring the arc is guided into a larger arc extinguishing structure, reducing the risk of switch deformation and enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

When the switch unit is turned off, the movable contact rotates about the rotation center relative to the first static contact by a first included angle to be separated from the first static contact, to generate a first arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric Arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

The first arc extinguishing structure is located around the first static contact, and is configured to extinguish the first arc. When the second included angle is greater than or equal to the first included angle, the first arc extinguishing structure can cover a part or the whole of a movement path of the first arc, so that the first arc can be better cut off and extinguished

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc Extinguishment: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP4297058B1Power supply system and switch unit
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4297058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4297058B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4297058B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a power supply system and a switch unit. The power supply system includes a control unit, a switch, a direct current source, and a power change unit. The switch includes a switch unit and an operation mechanism. The operation mechanism is configured to receive a switch-off signal and control the switch unit to be turned on or off. The switch unit includes a first static contact, a movable contact, and a first arc extinguishing structure. When the switch unit is turned off, the movable contact rotates about a rotation center relative to the first static contact by a first included angle to be separated from the first static contact, to generate a first arc. The first arc extinguishing structure includes a first arc extinguishing end part and a second arc extinguishing end part. A connection line between the first arc extinguishing end part and the rotation center of the movable contact is a first line. A connection line between the second arc extinguishing end part and the rotation center of the movable contact is a second line. An included angle between the first line and the second line is a second included angle. An angle value of the second included angle is greater than or equal to an angle value of the first included angle. The first arc extinguishing structure of the switch unit provided in this application can effectively extinguish an arc.