Rotating Arc-Extinguishing Contact Assembly for Compact Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contact systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably extinguishing arcs during switching operations, leading to delayed circuit connections, contact melting, and potential ignition, while existing solutions are complex, costly, or require large spaces, hindering miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact system with a rotating member and integrated arc extinguishing sheets that rotate into and out of the contact area to extinguish arcs, utilizing a simple gear mechanism to drive the sheets without additional driving devices, ensuring efficient and reliable arc extinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed inflatable magnetic field is used to lengthen the electric arc laterally, then the arc extinguishing effect is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arc lengthening function from the complex sealed inflatable magnetic field system and implements it using a simple arc extinguishing sheet that directly extends the arc path without requiring magnetic fields or sealed chambers. This eliminates the need for complex manufacturing processes while maintaining effective arc extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc extinguishing sheet is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. It uses basic insulating material rather than complex magnetic field generation systems, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the desired arc extinguishing effect.
2Reliability
If a strong magnetic field is used to extinguish the electric arc in an air medium, then arc extinction is achieved, but the internal space required increases, preventing miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a magnetic field that requires large three-dimensional space, the patent introduces an arc extinguishing sheet that extends the arc path in a linear dimension. This dimensional approach to arc lengthening achieves effective arc extinction without requiring the large internal volume that magnetic field systems demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc extinguishing sheet is a thin film structure that can be positioned within the switch device without occupying significant volume. This thin film approach provides effective arc extinction while maintaining a compact internal space, enabling miniaturization of the overall device.
3Reliability
If the arc extinguishing sheet is positioned to extinguish the arc, then arc extinction is improved, but the contact area accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arc extinguishing sheet is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically change position between two states: extended into the contact area for arc extinction during switching operations, and retracted to allow accessibility when not in use. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between arc extinction effectiveness and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc extinguishing sheet operates periodically, extending into the contact area only when arc extinction is needed during switching operations, and retracting when the circuit is stable. This periodic action ensures arc protection is provided exactly when required while maintaining contact area accessibility during normal 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 system achieves rapid and reliable arc extinction with a simple structure, low cost, and reduced size, facilitating miniaturization and energy efficiency in circuit connections and disconnections.
Implementation Method 1
lengthen a metal phase electric arc laterally, so that the electric arc may be cooled and deionized rapidly in an arc extinguishing medium
Implementation Method 2
A first gear and a second gear are formed on the disk-shaped base of the rotating member, a first mating gear to be meshed with the first gear is formed on the first arc extinguishing device, and a second mating gear to be meshed with the second gear is formed on the second arc extinguishing device
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical contact system includes: a static contact (310, 320) having a static contact point (311, 321); a movable contact (400) having a movable contact point (411, 421); a rotating member (100) on which the movable contact (400) is mounted; and an arc extinguishing device (210, 220) geared with the rotating member (100) and having an arc extinguishing sheet (201, 202). When the movable contact (400) is rotated to the switch-on position, the arc extinguishing sheet (201, 202) is rotated beyond the contact area between the movable contact point and the static contact point, thereby allowing the movable contact point to be in electrical contact with the static contact point; when the movable contact (400) is rotated to the switch-off position, the arc extinguishing sheet (201, 202) is rotated into the contact area between the movable contact point and the static contact point such that the movable contact point is electrically isolated from the static contact point, thereby cutting off an electric arc between the movable contact point and the static contact point.