Multiple Spark Gap Assembly With Integrated Control Contacting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple spark gaps face difficulties in achieving a simple and efficient mechanical and electrical contacting of electrodes, particularly as the degree of integration increases, leading to complex assembly processes and potential damage to contact elements.
Innovation Solution
A holding arrangement with conductive clamping and connecting elements, along with a control circuit that uses spring elements for reliable electrical contact, simplifies the contacting process by integrating it with mechanical assembly, reducing the risk of damage through a ramp-shaped preload area and adjustable clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If individual electrodes and insulations are stacked alternately and secured by holding arrangements with clamping elements and connecting elements, then the mechanical stability of the multiple spark gap is improved, but the complexity of the assembly process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical clamping function and electrical connection function into a single integrated holding arrangement. The connecting element simultaneously serves as both a mechanical connector for the clamping elements and an electrical conductor for the control circuit, eliminating the need for separate connection components and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the stacked electrodes and insulations, establishes electrical connections between adjacent electrodes, and integrates the control circuit connections. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are contacted with electrodes on the side surfaces of the electrodes, then the electrical control function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases particularly with thinner electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the contact location from the side surfaces of electrodes to the end faces of the electrodes. By moving the contact point to the end faces where clamping elements are already positioned, the control elements can be easily accessed and connected during the stacking process without requiring precise side surface contact, significantly simplifying manufacturing especially for thin electrodes.
3Reliability
If the number of single spark gaps in the multiple spark gap is increased, then the line follow current quenching capability is improved, but the sparkover voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control circuit that can dynamically influence the ignition behavior of the spark gaps. By actively controlling when and how each spark gap ignites, the system can optimize the distribution of voltage across the multiple gaps, potentially managing the overall sparkover voltage while maintaining the current quenching benefits of having multiple gaps in series.
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 design simplifies the assembly of multiple spark gaps, reduces the effort required for electrical contacting, and minimizes the risk of damage to contact elements, enabling a compact and reliable surge protection device.
Implementation Method 1
The contact elements are designed as spring elements (16), wherein the spring elements are in a prestressed state when the multiple spark gap (1) is assembled
Implementation Method 2
The at least first connecting element (7) of the holding arrangement mechanically connects the first clamping element (5) and the second clamping element (6) to one another
Implementation Method 3
Insulating elements (3) are arranged between the electrodes (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
A multiple spark gap (1) for a surge protection device is claimed, comprising several electrodes (2) and insulating elements (3) arranged between the electrodes (2), with a holding arrangement (4) for mechanically holding and electrically contacting the electrodes (2) of the multiple spark gap (1), wherein the holding arrangement (4) has at least a first electrically conductive clamping element (5), a second electrically conductive clamping element (6) and a first electrically conductive connecting element (7), wherein the electrodes (2) are arranged between the first clamping element (5) and the second clamping element (6), wherein the first clamping element (5) electrically contacts the first electrode (8) of the multiple spark gap (1) and wherein the second clamping element (6) electrically contacts the last electrode (9) of the multiple spark gap (1).wherein the at least first connecting element (7) mechanically connects the first clamping element (5) and the second clamping element (6), wherein the at least first connecting element (7) and the first clamping element (5) are electrically insulated from each other and the at least first connecting element (7) and the second clamping element (6) are electrically connected to each other, with a control circuit (11) for controlling the ignition behavior of the multiple spark gap (1), wherein the control circuit (11) has several electrical control elements (12) each with a first control element connection (13) and a second control element connection (14), wherein each control element (12) electrically contacts an electrode (2) with its first control element connection (13), and wherein the electrical control elements (12) are electrically connected to each other with their second control element connections (14),in which, moreover, the second control element connections (14) of the electrical control elements (12) of the control circuit (11) are electrically connected to each other by the at least first connecting element (7) of the holding arrangement (4).