Vacuum Interrupter Retaining Clip for Shield Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum interrupters face challenges in aligning ceramic insulators, leading to high manufacturing costs and micro cracks that weaken insulation, and current assembly methods are complex and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A retaining clip with a base and flexible arms is used to securely attach a tubular shield member to a ceramic member without the need for grooves in the ceramic, allowing for reliable and cost-effective assembly of vacuum interrupters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grooves are machined in the ceramic insulator to support the vapor shield, then the vapor shield can be retained, but micro cracks are created that weaken insulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining structure is segmented into two separate components: the ceramic insulator and the vapor shield, connected by a retaining clip. This eliminates the need to machine grooves in the ceramic insulator, avoiding micro cracks while still providing secure retention of the vapor shield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A retaining clip acts as an intermediary component between the ceramic insulator and the vapor shield. The clip provides the retention function without requiring modifications to the ceramic insulator, thus preventing micro crack formation while maintaining vapor shield support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If two ceramic insulators are employed to support the vapor shield, then the vapor shield can be retained, but alignment becomes burdensome and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor shield retentionVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of vapor shield support and structural integrity are merged into a single ceramic insulator design with an external retaining clip, eliminating the need for multiple ceramic insulators and their complex alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining clip serves as a mediator that simplifies the connection between the vapor shield and ceramic insulator, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures associated with using multiple ceramic insulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the vapor shield is deformed around a protrusion in the ceramic insulator, then the vapor shield can be retained, but the vapor shield becomes loose and complex tooling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor shield retentionVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining mechanism is segmented into a separate retaining clip component rather than being integrated into the ceramic insulator or vapor shield, allowing for simple snap-fit assembly without complex tooling or deformation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining clip is pre-formed with flexible arms designed to engage the vapor shield, eliminating the need for complex deformation operations or specialized tooling during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If metalizing and brazing is used to attach the vapor shield to the protrusion, then secure retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor shield retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that provides adequate retention without requiring expensive metalizing or brazing processes, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is segmented into a separate retaining clip that uses simple mechanical engagement rather than expensive metallurgical bonding processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution improves insulation by eliminating weak spots from grooves and simplifies assembly, enabling vacuum interrupters to be used in various electrical applications with enhanced reliability and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible arm engages the shield member in order to retain the shield member on the ceramic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3284099B1Vacuum interrupter, retaining clip therefor and associated method

Publication Date: 2019.08.14 EATON CORP

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AI summary

A retaining clip (100) is for a vacuum interrupter (2). The vacuum interrupter (2) includes a tubular ceramic member (10), a tubular shield member (30), and a pair of separable contacts (4). The shield member (30) is disposed internal with respect to the ceramic member (10). The separable contacts (4) are disposed internal with respect to the shield member (30). The retaining clip (100) comprises: a base (101) mounted on the ceramic member (10); and at least one flexible arm (120,150,160,170,180,190) extending from the base (101). The flexible arm (120,150,160,170,180,190) engages the shield member (30) in order to retain the shield member (30) on the ceramic member (10).