Remote Circuit Breaker Control with Integrated Sensing Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely controlled circuit breakers lack a mechanism to inform a remote controller about the number of connected circuit breakers and the status of each connected internal operating device, such as motors, which is crucial for coordinated and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement using sensing resistors and a three-position control switch to detect the presence and status of connected circuit breakers, utilizing a microprocessor to determine the number of connected breakers and the state of their internal operating devices through a sense line, ensuring accurate control and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remotely controlled circuit breaker is used to enable remote operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional control circuits and sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control switch and sensing resistor functions into a single integrated control circuit. The three-position switch simultaneously serves as both the control element for motor operation and the sensing element for detecting circuit breaker status, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation (OPEN/CLOSE commands) and simultaneously detects the position of the movable contact through its three positions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall control system architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple circuit breakers are connected to a single controller, then the productivity is improved through centralized control, but the loss of information increases regarding the status of each individual circuit breaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control circuit continuously monitors the position of the movable contact in each circuit breaker and sends this status information back to the controller. The three-position switch provides distinct electrical states that correspond to different contact positions (OPEN, CLOSED, INTERMEDIATE), enabling the controller to accurately determine the status of each connected circuit breaker and maintain up-to-date information.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the controller and the circuit breakers, translating the physical position of movable contacts into electrical signals that the controller can interpret. This intermediary function ensures that accurate status information is transmitted from each circuit breaker to the centralized controller without information loss.
3Measurement precision
If sensing resistors and control switches are added to detect circuit breaker status, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control switch and sensing resistor functions into a single integrated control circuit. The three-position switch simultaneously serves as both the control element for motor operation and the sensing element for detecting circuit breaker status, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation (OPEN/CLOSE commands) and simultaneously detects the position of the movable contact through its three positions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall control system architecture.
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
Enables the remote controller to accurately determine the number of connected circuit breakers and their operational states, allowing for coordinated and efficient control, preventing overheating and improper operation of motors, and ensuring safe and reliable remote operation.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit arrangement using sensing resistors and a three-position control switch to detect the presence and status of connected circuit breakers
Data Source
AI summary
Circuit for determining the presence or absence of a remotely controlled circuit beaker connection to a control circuit and the current state of an internal operating device of a remotely controlled circuit breaker connected to a control circuit.