Switching Device Exhaust Duct Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation switching devices face challenges in achieving high switching capacities while maintaining a compact design, as they often suffer from inefficient exhaust air flow and contamination from exhaust gases.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a terminal insulating part with a clamping space partition and intermediate opening creates an additional exhaust air duct, allowing exhaust gases to be discharged at two points, reducing pressure and contamination, and further dividing the exhaust gas flow into three partial flows through strategically placed openings and guide webs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single exhaust air duct is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the exhaust gas flow efficiency is insufficient and switching capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capacityVSAvoidexhaust air duct structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust air duct is segmented into multiple independent channels (first exhaust air duct and second exhaust air duct) that discharge exhaust gases through different exhaust openings. This segmentation allows parallel exhaust flow paths, increasing overall exhaust efficiency and enabling higher switching capacities without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust air duct system transitions from a single-dimensional linear path to a multi-dimensional network with vertical and horizontal components. The first exhaust air duct extends vertically while the second exhaust air duct provides horizontal discharge, creating three-dimensional exhaust flow paths that improve gas evacuation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced for compact design, then the overall dimensions are smaller, but the exhaust air flow efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidexhaust gas flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple small exhaust openings are provided in the housing, distributed across different locations. This segmentation allows exhaust gases to escape through multiple distributed points rather than a single large opening, maintaining efficient exhaust flow while accommodating a compact device form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust air duct system utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by creating vertical and horizontal flow paths within the compact housing. The ducts extend in multiple directions to maximize exhaust efficiency without increasing the device's external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If exhaust gases are discharged through a single opening, then the discharge point is simple, but the pressure reduction is insufficient and contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination from exhaust gasesVSAvoidexhaust air duct structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas discharge system is segmented into multiple discharge points (first exhaust opening and second exhaust opening) located at different positions on the housing. This segmentation distributes the exhaust gas flow across multiple openings, reducing local pressure buildup and minimizing contamination by dispersing exhaust gases over a larger area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different exhaust openings are positioned at different locations on the housing to address local contamination issues. The first exhaust opening and second exhaust opening are strategically placed to ensure comprehensive exhaust gas discharge from different regions, preventing localized pressure buildup and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances exhaust gas flow efficiency, reduces pressure within the device, minimizes contamination, and enables higher switching capacities within a compact structure.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure in the area of the arc extinguishing device can be reduced more quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

an arc extinguishing device (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc discharge: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2387055B1Installation switching device
Publication Date: 2014.07.02 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP2387055B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2387055B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2387055B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The equipment has a middle member (9) placed in a shell (2). A terminal insulation component with a terminal space partition is placed between a waste gas wall (11) of the middle member and a lower wide side (4). A middle hole (18) is located in the waste gas wall. The middle hole is aligned with the insulation component to form a waste gas passage. The waste gas passage guides a split flow of exhausted gas to a waste gas hole in a narrow side wall (5) via the terminal space partition and the lower wide side from the middle hole.