Two-Pole Circuit Breaker With Common Pyrotechnic Arc Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers with electromagnetic actuators have limited arc-cutting capabilities due to slow movement and travel of mobile contacts, while pyrotechnic actuators for multiple poles are complex and require separate mechanisms for each pole, complicating structure and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a single pyrotechnic actuator with a rectilinear rod and pivoting connecting rod for simultaneous opening of two electric poles, with a compact design and easy replacement of damaged parts, and additional arc-cutting features like permanent magnets and divergent tracks to enhance arc extinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic actuators are used to open circuit breaker contacts, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the speed of contact opening is insufficient to effectively extinguish high-intensity arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuators with a pyrotechnic actuator that converts chemical energy directly into mechanical motion. The pyrotechnic charge generates high-pressure gas that propels a piston, which in turn moves the mobile contacts at extremely high speeds, effectively extinguishing arcs without the complexity of electromagnetic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion parameter from electromagnetic to pyrotechnic (chemical to mechanical). By using a pyrotechnic charge that rapidly converts chemical energy to mechanical work, the system achieves much higher contact opening speeds compared to electromagnetic actuators, while simplifying the overall actuator system design.
2Reliability
If multiple pyrotechnic charges are used to actuate each pole independently, then simultaneous opening of all poles is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent pyrotechnic actuation systems into a single pyrotechnic charge system. One pyrotechnic charge drives a piston that is mechanically linked to all mobile contacts through a common rod, ensuring simultaneous opening of all poles while reducing the number of actuators from multiple to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pyrotechnic actuator serves multiple functions: it simultaneously actuates all mobile contacts across all poles, provides the force needed for high-speed opening, and ensures synchronized operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each pole.
3Device complexity
If a single pyrotechnic actuator with common transmission is used for all poles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed and travel of contact opening may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission system into a common rod that connects to individual mobile contacts. The single pyrotechnic actuator drives the common rod, which then distributes the motion to each mobile contact independently, maintaining high speed and adequate travel for each contact while keeping the actuator system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The common rod acts as an intermediary between the single pyrotechnic actuator and multiple mobile contacts. It transmits the high-speed motion generated by the pyrotechnic charge to all contacts simultaneously, preserving the speed and travel requirements while simplifying the actuator configuration.
4Volume of stationary object
If pyrotechnic actuators are integrated within the circuit breaker mechanism, then compact structure is achieved, but damaged parts require total disassembly for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pyrotechnic actuator from the internal mechanism of the circuit breaker and positions it externally. The actuator is connected to the mobile contacts through a transmission system that passes through the breaker housing, allowing the actuator to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire circuit breaker mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the pyrotechnic actuator to an external position, changing its spatial arrangement from integrated (internal) to separate (external). This dimensional change allows the actuator to be accessed and replaced from the outside, facilitating easier maintenance while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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
Ensures simultaneous and efficient opening of multiple poles with enhanced arc extinction, maintaining a compact structure and facilitating maintenance by allowing easy replacement of pyrotechnic components.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic actuator for switching the mobile contacts from the closing state to the opening state
Implementation Method 2
capacities for cutting off the electric arcs that appear when the contacts separate
Data Source
AI summary
Two electric poles are controlled in one and the same circuit breaker by an undivided opening mechanism controlled by a pyrotechnic actuator. The opening of the circuit that is brought about by this actuator, which is fast for a large opening travel of the mobile contacts, makes it possible to extinguish electric arcs under good conditions. The poles may be placed in series on one and the same electrical circuit in order to reduce the potential difference across the terminals of each of them, thereby further increasing the effectiveness of the circuit breaker in terms of arc extinguishing.