Shield Apparatus Directing Arc Plasma in Circuit Interrupters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit interrupters with molded housing have limited space for arc extinguishing provisions, leading to potential damage from electrical arcs.
Innovation Solution
A shield apparatus with a base and protection apparatus is mounted to the circuit interrupter housing, featuring passages to direct and dissipate electrical arcs and plasma, situated between the stationary contact and spring to prevent arc damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a molded housing is used for the circuit interrupter, then the device structure is compact and integrated, but the space for arc extinguishing provisions becomes very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the arc extinguishing functionality into the spatial dimension by adding a shield apparatus that protrudes into the housing interior. This creates a three-dimensional arc containment structure with passages that guide arc plasma along a flow path, effectively utilizing available space without requiring a larger housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion mounted to the housing, a shield portion extending into the interior region, and multiple passages formed within the shield. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
2Reliability
If the shield apparatus extends into the interior region, then arc dissipation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it shields internal components from arc damage, directs arc plasma through passages for dissipation, and maintains structural integration with the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate arc extinguishing devices, thereby limiting overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield apparatus is integrated with the housing structure through the base portion that mounts to the housing interior surface. This merging of the shield with the existing housing structure eliminates the need for completely separate arc containment components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 shield apparatus effectively directs arc products away from internal components, enhancing the lifespan of the circuit interrupter by preventing arc-induced damage and ensuring efficient arc dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical arc typically is formed between the contacts when they are moved from the CLOSED position to the OPEN position. Such arcs typically include a high temperature plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A shield apparatus and a resultant circuit interrupter are disclosed, wherein the shield apparatus includes a shield apparatus base and a protection apparatus, with the protection apparatus including a shield that helps to direct an electrical arc along a flow path through a number of passages and that will help to enable dissipation of the arc and the plasma generated thereby. The shield apparatus is mountable to a portion of the housing of the circuit interrupter within its interior, and the shield is situated adjacent at least a first passage.