Switch Device Non-Conductive Cover Arc Extinguishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching devices face challenges in maintaining a compact and reliable design while effectively extinguishing switching arcs, often requiring complex arc guide plates and electromagnetic coils.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a switching device with a non-conductive cover on one contact side to prevent arc encirclement, utilizing permanent magnets for a magnetic blowout field, and eliminating the need for arc guide plates by using recesses and high-temperature-resistant plastic materials for the cover and arc extinguishing elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If arc guide plates and electromagnetic coils are used to extinguish switching arcs, then arc extinguishing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinguishing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the arc guide plate component entirely from the switching device. Instead of using a separate arc guide plate to direct the arc, the design relies on the magnetic blowout field generated by permanent magnets to naturally guide and extinguish the arc, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining extinguishing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnets generate a magnetic blowout field that automatically guides and extinguishes the switching arc without requiring external control systems or additional components like electromagnetic coils. The system uses the inherent properties of the magnetic field and arc interaction to achieve self-service arc extinguishing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If arc guide plates are used to guide switching arcs, then arc stretching is improved, but device weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc stretchingVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the arc guide plate component, reducing device weight. The arc stretching function is achieved through the magnetic blowout field's interaction with the arc current, which naturally stretches and directs the arc toward the extinguishing chamber without requiring additional structural components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical arc guide plate structure with a magnetic field-based arc control mechanism. The magnetic blowout field generated by permanent magnets substitutes for the physical guidance provided by arc guide plates, achieving arc stretching and direction control without mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electromagnetic coils are used to generate blowout field, then arc extinguishing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinguishing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses permanent magnets instead of electromagnetic coils to generate the blowout field. Permanent magnets are simpler, more cost-effective components that provide a persistent magnetic field without requiring power consumption or complex winding structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining arc extinguishing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil system with a permanent magnet system. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical windings, power supplies, and control circuits associated with electromagnetic coils, simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the essential arc extinguishing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for sharp curvature and reliable arc stretching without encirclement, resulting in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective switching device with enhanced arc extinguishing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one contact point (14, 15) has an arc blow-out device for generating a magnetic blowout field, the blowout field being designed in such a way that an arc produced when the contact point is opened is blown away from the contact point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the two contacts is on a side facing away from the contact in each case, has a non-conductive cover (8) that prevents a root of the arc from crossing the non-contact side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3607572B1Switch device with contact cover
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SCHALTBAU GMBH
  • EP3607572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3607572B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switch device with at least one contact point. The contact point has a first contact and a second contact, and the first and second contact are mutually spaced in an open position and electrically contact each other in a closed position. The contact point is paired with an arc blow-out device in order to generate a blow-out field, and the blow-out field is produced such that an arc which is produced when the contact point is opened is blown away from the contact point. According to the invention, at least one of the two contacts has a non-conductive cover on the side which faces away from the contact and away from the respective other contact, said non-conductive cover preventing the root of the arc from crossing the side facing away from the contact.