Switchgear Arc Extinction via Pressure Gradient Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear technologies face instability in arc extinguishing gas generation due to the unpredictable direction of the arc towards the arc extinction member, leading to inconsistent interruption performance.

Innovation Solution

The switchgear design incorporates a pressure gradient mechanism using through holes in the arc extinction member to control the arc direction, ensuring stable contact with the arc extinction member and enhancing arc extinguishing gas generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no means to control arc direction is provided, then the structure is simple, but the arc may not contact the arc extinction member and gas generation is unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of arc extinguishing gas generationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pressure parameter within the arc extinction chamber by introducing a pressure gradient. The pressure is higher near the arc generation portion and lower near the arc extinction member, causing the arc to naturally extend toward the arc extinction member. This parameter change ensures reliable arc contact and stable extinguishing gas generation without adding complex mechanical control structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the arc extinction member is disposed near the arc generation portion, then the arc can contact the member and generate extinguishing gas, but the arc extending direction cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc contact reliabilityVSAvoidarc direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies pneumatic principles by creating a pressure gradient within the arc extinction chamber. The pressure distribution (higher near arc generation, lower near arc extinction member) acts as a driving force to control the arc extending direction, guiding the arc toward the arc extinction member. This pneumatic approach provides reliable arc direction control without mechanical actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If the arc extinguishing gas generation is unstable, then the interruption performance deteriorates, but increasing the arc extinction member size increases device volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterruption performanceVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing a pressure gradient in the arc extinction chamber, the invention ensures stable and efficient arc extinguishing gas generation. This allows the arc extinction member to be compact in size while maintaining reliable interruption performance, as the pressure-driven arc control maximizes the effectiveness of the arc extinction process without requiring oversized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach stabilizes arc extinguishing gas generation, improving interruption performance and reducing device size while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure gradient which lowers from a central portion side toward an inner wall surface side of the arc extinction member in connection with a generation of heat of the arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the arc extinction member generates the arc extinguishing gas by being melted by the heat of the arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2662877B1Switching apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2662877B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2662877B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2662877B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A switchgear according to the present invention includes a fixed contactor provided in a tank filled with insulating gas, and a movable contactor provided in the tank, the movable contactor being connected to and disconnected from the fixed contactor so as to move forward and backward. The switchgear includes an arc extinction member including a surrounding portion which is slidably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the movable contactor halfway in a movement range from a closed contact state to an open contact state and is formed so as to surround an arc space portion in a sealed manner, the surrounding portion being formed with a through hole through which the arc space communicates with the outside of the arc space.