Voltage Assembly Segmented Vacuum Zones

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage assemblies with a single vacuum chamber and pressure chamber arrangement are prone to vacuum breakdown during the movement of the moving contact piece, leading to potential arc ignitions and reduced dielectric performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of at least two separated vacuum zones along the moving path of the moving contact piece, separated by a membrane with a predetermined weak breaking point, ensures vacuum redundancy and prevents breakdowns, even under rated voltage conditions, by maintaining vacuum integrity during gas generator ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single vacuum chamber and pressure chamber arrangement is used, then the device structure is simple, but vacuum breakdown occurs during moving contact piece movement leading to arc ignitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single vacuum chamber is divided into multiple separate vacuum zones (first vacuum zone and second vacuum zone) along the moving path of the contact piece. Each vacuum zone is separated by a membrane, creating independent vacuum compartments that prevent breakdown propagation and maintain vacuum integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a membrane with predetermined weak breaking point is introduced to separate vacuum zones, then vacuum redundancy is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A membrane with a predetermined weak breaking point is used to separate the first and second vacuum zones. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that maintains vacuum separation while allowing controlled breakdown at the weak point to protect the overall vacuum system integrity during abnormal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 the robustness of the voltage assembly by preventing arc ignitions and maintaining functional vacuum zones, enabling high withstand voltage and ampacity, suitable for various applications including switchgear and electric interconnecting systems.

Implementation Method 1

When the pressure in the pressure chamber is rapidly increased by a gas generation device (e.g. micro gas generator), the bullet assembly moves to a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least two vacuum zones arranged along a moving path of the moving contact piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

a membrane can be used to enhance the dielectric stiffness by establishing at least two separate vacuum zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric stiffness: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8455780B2Low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage assembly

Publication Date: 2013.06.04

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a voltage assembly having at least one short circuiting device in which a moving contact piece can be closed onto a fixed contact piece. In order to prevent breakdown at least two separated vacuum zones are arranged along a moving path of the fixed contact piece.