Sliding Arc Chute Mechanism for High Speed Circuit Breaker Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High speed circuit breakers for industrial and railway applications face challenges in easily removing the arc chute during maintenance, requiring special tools and being time-consuming, and have limitations in interruption time due to voltage-dependent activating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A high speed circuit breaker design with a slidably mounted arc chute and a lever mechanism for easy removal, using synthetic plastic materials for the casing and delimiting portions, and conductive materials for contacts, along with an elastic element and magnetic field activation for efficient switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the arc chute is fixed in the casing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates as special tools and excessive force are required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The arc chute is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to be fixed securely during operation (stable) but movable during maintenance (accessible). The intermediate delimiting portions with guiding slots enable the arc chute to slide along predetermined paths, providing both structural stability when in place and ease of removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is divided into functional zones with intermediate delimiting portions that separate the arc chute mounting area from other components. These delimiting portions include guiding slots that segment the movement path, allowing the arc chute to be independently accessed and removed without affecting the overall structural integrity of the casing.
2Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism is added for moving the arc chute, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is integrated with the intermediate delimiting portions and guiding slots to form a unified structure. The lever works in conjunction with the sliding mechanism already present in the casing, merging the movement function with the structural elements rather than adding a completely separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate delimiting portions serve as intermediary elements between the lever mechanism and the arc chute. The guiding slots in these delimiting portions mediate the movement, translating the lever's motion into controlled sliding of the arc chute along predetermined paths.
3Strength
If the arc chute is made heavy for structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the speed of removal during maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arc chute design balances structural strength with dynamic removability. While the arc chute itself maintains its strength for structural integrity, the sliding mechanism along the guiding slots enables quick removal without requiring excessive force, allowing maintenance personnel to efficiently access the breaking contacts.
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
Facilitates easier inspection and maintenance of breaking contacts, provides faster and more reliable high current interruption with stable performance under varying conditions, and reduces the need for special tools, while maintaining industrial cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least a lever mechanism extended transversally between the opposite intermediate delimiting portions for moving or raising the arc chute in case of an inspection
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field activation for efficient switching
Implementation Method 3
along with an elastic element and magnetic field activation for efficient switching
Implementation Method 4
a top arc chute extinguishing portion covering the switching contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
An improved high speed breaker for industrial or railways applications wherein a high D.C. current must be interrupted with high efficiency and extremely fast intervention times. The breaker includes, in a casing, a base portion supporting an activating a switching mechanism including a holding mechanism and a release mechanism, an intermediate switching or breaking contacts portion, including fixed contacts and movable contacts, and a top arc chute extinguishing portion covering the switching or breaking contact portion, wherein intermediate delimiting portions are provided on both sides of the casing to delimit laterally the intermediate switching or breaking contact portion and to provide lateral guides for the arc chute extinguishing portion, wherein the arc chute extinguishing portion is slidably mounted in the casing, and wherein at least a lever mechanism is extended transversally between the opposite intermediate delimiting portions for moving or raising the arc chute extinguishing portion for inspection.