Encapsulated Spark Gap Surge Protector with Dual-Mode Ignition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection devices are inadequate in protecting sensitive end devices from transient overvoltages, particularly in complex or high-quality devices with varying network conditions, as they often require a certain load to activate the coarse protection element and struggle with distinguishing between normal and transient states, leading to insufficient protection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An overvoltage protection device with a spark gap is enhanced by an additional independent control mechanism that allows ignition without auxiliary voltage or energy stores, enabling activation at nominal or undervoltages, and utilizing a semiconductor switching element for quick and safe ignition, independent of current loads and network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional overvoltage protection devices are used, then protection against transient overvoltages is provided, but the devices require a certain load to activate the coarse protection element and cannot reliably distinguish between normal and transient states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode activation system where the spark gap can be triggered through two independent pathways: conventional voltage-gradient-based ignition for transient overvoltages, and direct control signal activation for on-demand protection. This dynamic switching capability allows the device to adapt to different operational scenarios, resolving the contradiction between reliable automatic protection and flexible activation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device is segmented into two independent activation mechanisms: the conventional ignition circuit for automatic transient detection and the additional direct control circuit for manual or external activation. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently according to its optimal activation criteria, enabling both reliable automatic protection and versatile on-demand activation without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control mechanisms are added to enable flexible activation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to minimize complexity: it can accept various activation signals (direct control signals, external triggers), shares common hardware components (spark gap, encapsulation, terminals) with the conventional circuit, and provides multiple protection modes through a single unified control architecture. This universal design achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution provides enhanced transient and individual overvoltage protection, allowing for flexible adaptation to specific protection requirements, even in galvanically isolated networks, and reduces the risk of damage by enabling quick and reliable ignition of the spark gap, thereby improving the protective effect and extending the functionality of the overvoltage protection device.
Implementation Method 1
the spark gap (1) with at least two main electrodes (2; 3) and one auxiliary electrode (5), which is connected to an ignition device (4) for triggering in the event of transient overvoltages
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a semiconductor switching element for quick and safe ignition, independent of current loads and network conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an encapsulated surge protection device capable of carrying lightning currents and limiting follow currents and comprising at least one spark gap, which has in each case at least two main electrodes and one auxiliary electrode, which is connected to a starting device for triggering in the event of transient surges. The invention provides a second starting device which is independent of the first starting device and which can activate the spark gap without the need for the presence of surges or pulse currents on the basis of the presence of a minimum voltage between the main electrodes of the spark gap.