Surge Suppression Device Parallel Force Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surge suppression devices with thermal protectors face issues of electric arcs and reduced soldering strength due to perpendicular forces applied by springs, leading to potential device failure and risk of fire, especially when subjected to electromagnetic forces or high voltages.
Innovation Solution
A surge suppression device design featuring a non-conductive barrier that moves parallel to the voltage sensitive element, utilizing a blocking element and extension portion to prevent perpendicular forces, ensuring stable contact and preventing electric arcs by positioning the barrier between terminals when the device fails, thus maintaining structural integrity and preventing fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to apply force to the arc shield perpendicular to its movement direction, then the arc shield can be pushed to block electric arcs, but the soldering strength of the thermal switch decreases over time and the contact element is prone to separate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying force perpendicular to the movement direction of the arc shield, the patent applies force in the same direction as the movement direction. The elastic element pushes the blocking element along the guide rails in the direction of arc shield movement, eliminating the perpendicular stress that weakened the soldering joints while maintaining the arc blocking function.
2Reliability
If the thermal protector disconnects the MOV from power supply circuit, then small fault current is blocked, but electric arcs are generated and fault current from power supply system is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking element as an intermediary between the thermal protector and the arc shield. This blocking element is pushed by the elastic element to block electric arcs generated at the thermal protector connection point, preventing arcs from sustaining fault current while allowing the thermal protector to maintain its fire prevention function.
3Reliability
If the arc shield is released to move along the rail, then electric arcs are shielded, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arc blocking function with the existing thermal protector structure by integrating the blocking element into the connection point assembly. The blocking element works in conjunction with the thermal protector's disconnection mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate arc shield and its complex rail system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining arc shielding capability.
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 enhances the structural stability and prevents unexpected failures by applying forces parallel to the movement direction, reducing the risk of electric arcs and maintaining device functionality during long-term use, thereby ensuring effective protection against voltage surges.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking element pushable by said elastic element along said guide rails from a first position where said blocking element allows contact between said second terminal and said voltage sensitive element, to a second position where said blocking element blocks contact between said second terminal and said voltage sensitive element
Implementation Method 2
A surge suppression device design featuring a non-conductive barrier that moves parallel to the voltage sensitive element, utilizing a blocking element and extension portion to prevent perpendicular forces, ensuring stable contact and preventing electric arcs by positioning the barrier between terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A surge suppression device comprising a voltage sensitive element, heat sensitive materials, terminals, a blocking element and a non-conductive barrier is disclosed. One of the terminals comprises an arm portion, a contact portion and an extension portion extended from the contact portion. The blocking element has a part engaging with the extension portion and another part contacting with the barrier and separating the barrier from the arm portion of the terminal. The device has higher structural stability and sensitivity and is only failed in the event that the voltage sensitive element is failed due to aging or grid fault.