Compact Wire Interrupter with Sealed Lever Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wire interrupters require large installation spaces and are prone to soiling or debris interference during operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact interrupter design featuring a separate contact component that moves linearly between two insulated terminals, actuated by a lever and pyrotechnic mechanism, with a catch to prevent re-engagement and a sealed configuration to prevent dirt and moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circuit-breaker design with hollow cylinders and sliding contact is used, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the installation space required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is separated from the terminals as an independent component, allowing the contact to be a compact element that can be actuated independently. This segmentation enables a more space-efficient design compared to integrated hollow cylinder structures while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the separate contact component.
2Speed
If the contact is actuated by a pyrotechnic element directly, then the disconnection speed is high, but the mechanism is sensitive to soiling or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pyrotechnic actuator and the contact. Instead of the pyrotechnic element directly moving the contact, it first actuates the lever, which then transmits the motion to the contact through a joint. This intermediate lever mechanism reduces sensitivity to soiling and debris while maintaining high disconnection speed.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact design with separate contact component is used, then the installation space is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to pivot about a joint, introducing dynamic motion transformation. The lever converts the linear or rotational motion from the pyrotechnic actuator into the appropriate motion for disconnecting the contact. This dynamic element enables compact packaging while managing the complexity through well-defined mechanical relationships.
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
The solution reduces the size and enhances the reliability of the interrupter while ensuring reliable disconnection and preventing jamming, maintaining functionality even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The contact may be driven out of the cylinders by a pyrotechnic element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interrupter for an electrical wire 9, having a first terminal and a second terminal insulated electrically from the first terminal and also a contact 3, which takes the form of a separate component from the terminals and is provided to produce a conductive connection between the first and second terminals, the contact 3 being capable of being brought by a linear movement from a first position connecting the terminals into a second position in which the terminals are disconnected, an actuator being provided to move the contact and a lever 5 being provided, which acts on the contact 3 by means of a joint 14, 16, 17 and is provided to transmit force from the actuator to the contact 3.