Electrical Contact Switch Micro Opening Oxygen Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical contact switch devices face a decrease in oxygen concentration within the casing as the number of switches increases, leading to a higher probability of arc welding and reduced operational life, especially when the number of switches exceeds 15,000 times, resulting in inadequate oxygen levels below 8%.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one micro opening with an opening area of 80 μm² or less on the outer surface of the casing to maintain an oxygen concentration of 8% or more, allowing for sufficient oxygen inflow and preventing arc widening and welding between contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the casing is sealed to prevent oxygen loss, then the oxygen concentration is maintained initially, but the oxygen concentration decreases below 8% after approximately 15,000 switches
Solution Approach 1:
The casing incorporates a porous structure with controlled permeability that allows oxygen to diffuse into the internal space at a rate that maintains oxygen concentration above 8% even after 100,000 switching operations. This porous design enables continuous oxygen replenishment without compromising the sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the casing by introducing controlled permeability characteristics, transforming it from a completely sealed structure to one with regulated gas exchange capabilities. This parameter modification allows the casing to maintain appropriate oxygen levels throughout the device's operational life.
2Reliability
If the casing allows oxygen inflow to maintain oxygen concentration, then arc welding is suppressed, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The porous casing structure provides controlled oxygen permeability while maintaining effective sealing against larger contaminants and maintaining internal pressure differentials. The pore sizes are engineered to allow oxygen diffusion while blocking other harmful factors, thus preserving both sealing performance and arc welding suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous casing acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for oxygen inflow and the requirement for sealing. It selectively permits oxygen passage while maintaining the sealed environment necessary for preventing other harmful factors from entering the switching device.
3Reliability
If micro openings are added to the casing, then oxygen concentration is maintained at 8% or more, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous casing integrates the oxygen supply function directly into the casing material itself, eliminating the need for separate micro openings, channels, or active oxygen delivery mechanisms. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable oxygen concentration above 8% throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous casing structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment, maintains sealing performance, and enables controlled oxygen inflow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated oxygen supply components, thereby reducing overall 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
The micro opening ensures an oxygen concentration of 8% or more even after 100,000 switches, effectively suppressing arc widening and welding between electrical contacts, thereby extending the operational life of the device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one micro opening whose opening area is 80 μm2 or less is provided on an outer surface facing an outside
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact switch device includes: a fixed contact; a movable contact configured to come into contact with and move away from the fixed contact; a casing configured to house the movable contact and the fixed contact inside, and the casing includes at least one micro opening whose opening area is 80 μm2 or less on an outer surface facing an outside.