Segment Conductors for Circuit Breaker Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers face issues with heat dissipation due to a small surface area of conductors, leading to increased temperature and costs associated with using more copper to enhance heat radiation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates segment conductors with a longer vertical section and a coupling conductor with a contact member coupling portion, increasing the surface area for heat exchange and air flow, allowing for enhanced heat radiation without increasing copper usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the diameter or width of the conductor is increased to enhance heat radiation, then the amount of heat radiated increases, but the amount of copper used increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple fins that extend radially from the central axis. This segmentation increases the surface area for heat radiation without requiring a proportional increase in copper material, as the fins are thin extensions rather than solid cylindrical additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor transitions from a two-dimensional cross-sectional view (circular or polygonal) to a three-dimensional radial structure with multiple fins extending outward. This dimensional change dramatically increases the heat radiation surface area while using minimal additional copper material.
2Area of stationary object
If the surface area of the conductor is increased to improve heat exchange, then heat radiation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is segmented into multiple identical fins arranged radially around a central axis. Each fin has the same structure, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while collectively providing large surface area for heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fin serves multiple functions: it conducts heat from the central axis, radiates heat to the surrounding air, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device 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
This configuration effectively increases heat radiation and cooling efficiency while maintaining a constant copper usage, reducing fabrication and installation costs by facilitating better air flow and heat exchange through current convection.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the surface area for heat exchange and air flow, allowing for enhanced heat radiation
Implementation Method 2
enhanced heat radiation without increasing copper usage
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker according to the present disclosure includes a cradle having an accommodation space therein, the cradle having a plurality of terminals and a breaker main body having a plurality of terminal connectors contactable with the terminals, respectively, and a plurality of vacuum interrupters connected to the terminal connectors, respectively, the breaker main body being installed within the cradle to be movable between a connected position where the terminal connectors are connected to the terminals and a disconnected position where the terminal connectors are separated from the terminals. Each of the terminal connectors includes a plurality of segment conductors each having one end connected to the vacuum interrupter and the other end facing the terminal. According to the configuration, an amount of heat radiated may increase without an increase in an amount of copper used, thereby facilitating for cooling the terminal connectors.