Spark Gap Arrangement With Cooling Block And U-Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spark gap arrangements are inadequate for high lightning current loads and low follow currents, particularly in N to PE circuits, as they are prone to blowing out and occupy excessive space, and are not cost-effective for series arrangements or multiple installations.
Innovation Solution
A spark gap arrangement featuring flat electrodes in a housing body with a gas cooling and pressure equalization chamber, utilizing insulating plastic half-shells, a metallic cooling block with meandering channels, and a U-shaped clamp for thermal and pressure management, along with a trigger device for low response voltage, allowing for efficient cooling and pressure reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spark gap arrangements are used for high lightning current loads, then the spark gap can handle the current, but the arrangement occupies excessive space and is prone to blowing out
Solution Approach 1:
The housing body is divided into two half-shells that can be assembled together, allowing for compact packaging of the spark gap arrangement while maintaining the necessary internal volume for arc combustion and cooling functions
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling block with integrated channels is nested within the housing body, and the arc combustion chamber is nested within the cooling block structure, creating a compact multi-functional integrated design that reduces overall space occupation
2Volume of moving object
If a compact spark gap arrangement is designed to reduce space, then space occupation is reduced, but the cooling and pressure equalization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling block is positioned specifically in the second recess of the housing body, directly adjacent to the arc combustion chamber, providing localized high-capacity cooling where it is most needed while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
Gas flow channels are integrated into the cooling block to enable efficient gas circulation for both cooling and pressure equalization functions, allowing compact design while maintaining adequate thermal management through controlled fluid dynamics
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple spark gaps are arranged in series for cost-effective production, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the mechanical connection and electrical contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extended connection legs serve multiple functions: they provide electrical contact between series-connected spark gaps, mechanical alignment features, and structural support for the assembly, enabling reliable series arrangements while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The connection terminal integrates the electrical contact function with the mechanical mounting function, allowing multiple spark gaps to be series-connected through a unified structure that ensures both electrical reliability and mechanical stability
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 solution enables reliable operation under high current loads with reduced electromagnetic interference, cost-effective production, and easy mechanical connection of multiple spark gaps, while preventing thermal overload and ensuring efficient cooling and pressure equalization.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling block (8) having channels (12) and having a high heat capacity
Implementation Method 2
Gas flowing in the area of these small openings is again cooled and expanded by the U-shaped clamp
Implementation Method 3
Gas flowing in the area of these small openings is again cooled and expanded by the U-shaped clamp
Implementation Method 4
two opposing, preferably flat electrodes kept at a distance in a housing body, forming an arc combustion chamber
Implementation Method 5
arcing occurs between two electrodes of the spark gap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a spark gap arrangement comprising two preferably flat, opposing electrodes (1) that are held apart in a housing body (13), said electrodes forming an arc combustion chamber, and comprising a gas-cooling and pressure-compensating chamber that is connected to the arc combustion chamber. According to the invention, the housing body (13) is formed from two half-shells (14, 16), each of which has first recesses that lie opposite each other in one plane for electrode connecting limbs (3), said limbs being connected to a connecting terminal (15) on the outside of the housing body. Each of the half-shells (14, 16) has a first space for receiving an insulating material support (11) for the electrodes (1) and a second space for receiving a cooling block (8), which has channels, with a high heat capacity. Furthermore, a U-shaped clamp (9) that is connected to the half-shells in a mechanical and pressure-resistant manner is provided at least in the receiving region of the cooling block (8) such that said clamp encompasses the half-shells (14, 16) on the outside.