Stacked Spark Gap Electrode Contact Using Offset Holding Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stack spark gap designs face challenges in making contact between electrodes, especially when using increasingly thin electrodes, as the narrow side contact becomes difficult and direct contact with wireless control elements is no longer possible.
Innovation Solution
The spark gap arrangement features holding frames with receptacle openings for control elements, allowing contact with electrodes on their larger face or back side, rather than the narrow side. This is achieved by offsetting the holding frames relative to each other, enabling contact via control elements inserted in the receptacle openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrodes are made thinner to reduce space requirements, then the space requirement is reduced, but making contact between electrodes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial contact (narrow side) to axial contact (front side) by stacking holding frames vertically. The control element in the upper holding frame contacts the electrode on its front surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to solve the contact difficulty problem while maintaining thin electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that positions the control element to contact the electrode through the receptacle opening. This intermediary arrangement enables reliable contact without requiring direct radial access to the thin electrode's narrow side.
2Device complexity
If contact is made on the narrow side of electrodes, then direct contact is achieved, but insulation intervals and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact dimension from radial (narrow side) to axial (front side) by using the stacking arrangement. This dimensional change simplifies the contact structure and reduces insulation requirements while maintaining reliable electrical contact between the control element and electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A spark gap arrangement with at least three electrodes and with at least two holding frames, which are arranged flat one on top of the other, wherein each of the holding frames has an edge that surrounds a recess for accommodating at least one electrode, wherein at least one receptacle opening is made in the edge of at least one holding frame, in which opening a control element is arranged, and wherein the holding frames are arranged offset relative to one another around their central axis perpendicular to the plane of the holding frame, in such a way that the receptacle opening of a first holding frame is located above an electrode which is accommodated in a second holding frame arranged underneath, so that the control element arranged in the receptacle opening of the first holding frame makes contact with the electrode accommodated in the second holding frame arranged underneath.