Vacuum Interrupter Arc Shield Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum interrupters face challenges in maintaining stable interruption and withstand voltage performance due to positional deviation of the arc shield, which requires complex jigs for accurate positioning and prolongs the assembly process, and complicates voltage conditioning by necessitating a grounding wire connection.

Innovation Solution

The vacuum interrupter incorporates an arc shield with projections on its flange portion that engage with the openings of the insulation containers, eliminating the need for assembly jigs and allowing easy grounding wire connection during voltage conditioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a jig is used for positioning the arc shield, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and working time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of arc shieldVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arc shield is designed with positioning protrusions that automatically engage with positioning recesses on the insulation containers during assembly. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for external positioning jigs, achieving both high positioning accuracy and simplified assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning protrusions and recesses serve as intermediary elements between the arc shield and insulation containers. These features mediate the positioning function, enabling precise alignment without requiring complex external jigs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a jig is used for connecting grounding wire, then connection reliability is improved, but working time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliability of grounding wireVSAvoidworking time for voltage conditioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The arc shield's flange portion with positioning protrusions serves dual purposes: positioning the arc shield and providing a convenient attachment point for the grounding wire. This eliminates the need for separate grounding jigs and reduces connection time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning protrusions on the arc shield serve multiple functions: they position the arc shield during assembly and also provide attachment points for grounding wire connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and steps required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If visual observation is used for positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of assembly processVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of arc shield

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical self-positioning features (protrusions and recesses) automatically guide the arc shield into the correct position during assembly. This eliminates the need for visual observation while ensuring high positioning accuracy through the physical constraints of the engagement features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10854403B2Vacuum interrupter and vacuum circuit breaker using same

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A vacuum interrupter according to the present invention includes: a vacuum container formed by two insulation containers each having an opening at one end thereof, the openings being opposed to each other; a pair of electrodes provided inside the vacuum container; and an arc shield having a contamination preventing portion surrounding the electrodes, and projections projecting in a direction along an outer circumferential surface of the contamination preventing portion, the arc shield being positioned by the projections being engaged with the openings.