Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter with Nested Magnetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical appliances pose a safety hazard due to the potential for arcs to form between lines and ground, leading to fires as power cords age, and existing solutions fail to timely detect and prevent such arcs.
Innovation Solution
An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) with a movement mechanism, including moving contact arms, a control circuit board, an arc detection mechanism using magnetic rings and coils, and a tripping mechanism that disconnects power when an arc is detected, preventing fire by cutting off electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc detection mechanism is added to detect arcs between lines and ground, then fire prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic ring is nested around the moving contact arm, with the coil wound on the core inside the magnetic ring. This nested structure allows the arc detection mechanism to be integrated into the existing movement mechanism without requiring separate detection components, thereby improving fire prevention capability while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The moving contact arm serves dual functions: it is both a mechanical component for circuit switching and a carrier for the arc detection mechanism. The magnetic ring and coil detect arcs while being integrated into the moving contact arm structure, making the device multi-functional and reducing overall complexity
2Speed
If tripping mechanism is designed to immediately disconnect power when arc is detected, then response speed is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tripping mechanism is merged with the movement mechanism by using the same moving contact arm for both normal operation and arc fault disconnection. The magnetic ring and coil are combined into a single integrated assembly that directly actuates the moving contact arm, eliminating the need for separate tripping components and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining fast response speed
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generated by the coil acts as an intermediary to transfer the arc detection signal to the moving contact arm. When an arc is detected, the magnetic field immediately actuates the moving contact arm to disconnect the circuit, providing fast response without complex mechanical linkages
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 AFCI effectively detects arcs and immediately disconnects power, preventing combustion and reducing fire risks in households by timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an arc detection mechanism, electrically coupled to the control circuit board, for detecting an arc signal
Implementation Method 2
the core is driven by the bobbin, the actuation connector moves toward the bobbin and disengages from the tripping member
Data Source
AI summary
An arc fault circuit interrupter includes: an insulating casing, electrical input terminals and electrical output terminals, first and second electrical path connected between the electrical input terminals and electrical output terminals, and a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes: first and second moving contact arms, electrically coupled to the first and second electrical paths, respectively; a control circuit board; an arc detection mechanism, electrically coupled to the control circuit board, for detecting an arc signal and causing the control circuit board to generate a trip signal; a tripping mechanism, electrically coupled to the control circuit board, for receiving the trip signal to disconnect the electrical coupling between the first moving contact arm and the first electrical path and/or the electrical coupling between the second moving contact arm and the second electrical path. The device can immediately cut off the power when detecting an arc signal to prevent fire hazard.