Low-Voltage Switch Pole Arc Quenching With a Gasifying Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-voltage switching devices face challenges in effectively quenching arcs during current interruption operations, leading to inadequate temperature control and limited arc extinguishing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The low-voltage switch pole incorporates a fixed contact assembly with a conductive expansion plate and a gasifying plate mounted directly on the expansion plate, positioned close to the arc root, enhancing the gasification effect and arc quenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gasifying means are placed at various locations in the arc chamber, then the arc quenching effect is provided, but the quenching effect is limited and not completely satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The gasifying plate is pre-positioned directly on the conductive expansion plate at the arc root location before arc occurrence. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the arc occurs, the gasifying material is already in place to immediately respond to the high temperature and release extinguishing substances, achieving effective arc quenching from the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasifying plate acts as an intermediary substance between the arc root and the arc plasma. When heated by the arc, it releases extinguishing gases that mediate the interaction between the arc and the surrounding environment, effectively quenching the arc by absorbing heat and disrupting the plasma channel.
2Productivity
If conventional arc chamber designs are used, then the switching function is provided, but the temperature control during short circuit is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful high temperature at the arc root into a beneficial effect by using the heat itself to trigger the gasifying plate. The arc's own thermal energy activates the gasifying material, which then releases extinguishing substances that quench the arc, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a useful arc-quenching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the arc chamber environment by introducing gasifying materials that undergo phase changes and chemical reactions. The gasifying plate transitions from solid to gas phase when heated, releasing extinguishing substances that fundamentally alter the thermal and chemical parameters of the arc plasma, enabling effective temperature control.
3Ease of manufacture
If gasifying means are positioned away from the arc root, then the structure is simpler, but the quenching effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the gasifying material specifically at the arc root location where it is most needed. The gasifying plate is positioned only at the critical arc root zone rather than uniformly distributed, providing targeted arc quenching effectiveness where the temperature and energy concentration are highest, while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 configuration significantly increases the gasification effect and arc quenching efficiency, reducing temperature increases and arching time, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
gasifying means and/or materials, capable of releasing extinguishing substances in proximity of the area in which the electric arc is formed; these means and/or materials are typically triggered by the temperature reached when an electric arc occur
Implementation Method 2
a conductive expansion plate positioned on said contact support and extending toward said arc chamber
Implementation Method 3
During a short circuit the arc developing in the arching chamber (typically composed by arc metal plates), tends to increase its temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A low voltage switch pole comprising an insulating casing defining an internal space with a contact area and an arc extinguishing area, a fixed contact assembly and a movable contact assembly being positioned in said contact area, said movable contact assembly being movable between a closed position in which it is into contact with said fixed contact assembly and an open position in which it is spaced apart from said fixed contact assembly, an arc chamber comprising a plurality of substantially parallel metallic plates being positioned in said arc extinguishing area, characterized in that fixed contact assembly is provided with a contact support, a contact surface contacting said movable contact assembly in the closed position and positioned on said contact support, and a conductive expansion plate positioned on said contact support and extending toward said arc chamber, and further characterized in that said fixed contact assembly is provided with a gasifying plate which is directly mounted on said conductive expansion plate.