Circuit Breaker Cradle Position Sensing With Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power devices with position display systems for circuit breaker bodies in cradles face difficulties in accurately detecting the extended and retracted positions, especially when the handle obstructs the indicator, making it hard to identify the current position of the circuit breaker body during operations like disconnect, test, or connect positions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cradle and guide plate, equipped with a position detector that includes a reflective area and an optical sensor, which measures the displaced position of the circuit breaker body by emitting light and detecting variations in reflected light, allowing for real-time monitoring of extending and retracting motions, and a system that stores and displays this information for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position display device is provided with an indicator and handle receiving portion, then the position of the circuit breaker body can be displayed externally, but the indicator is hidden by the handle making it difficult to accurately identify the current position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a worm wheel as an intermediary component that transmits the rotational motion of the handle to a linear displacement device, which in turn moves the indicator vertically. This mediator mechanism allows the indicator to be positioned independently from the handle, resolving the conflict between handle operation and indicator visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of indicator movement from horizontal (along with handle rotation) to vertical (perpendicular to handle plane). By moving the indicator up and down along a vertical guide rail rather than rotating it horizontally with the handle, the indicator becomes visible above the handle receiving portion, solving the visibility problem while maintaining position indication functionality.
2Ease of operation
If rotational motion of worm wheel is converted into linear motion to position indicator above handle receiving portion, then indicator visibility is improved, but position can be identified only at discrete positions (disconnect, test, connect) within the cradle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical discrete position indication system with an optical detection system. A reflective area is attached to the circuit breaker body, and an optical sensor detects its position by measuring reflected light. This substitution enables continuous position detection throughout the entire cradle movement range, not just at discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (light reflection) of the circuit breaker body's position. The reflective area on the moving body creates a reflected light pattern that the optical sensor detects, effectively copying the position information in optical form. This allows continuous position monitoring without mechanical contact or discrete switches.
3Device complexity
If conventional position display systems are used, then the structure is simple, but linear detection of circuit breaker body position during approach to disconnect, test, or connect positions is practically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective area as an intermediary element between the circuit breaker body and the optical sensor. This reflective marker serves as a mediator that converts the physical position of the circuit breaker body into an optical signal that can be continuously detected by the sensor, enabling linear position detection without complex mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linear measurement systems with a simple optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical encoders, potentiometers, or linear scales, the system uses a reflective area and optical sensor to achieve continuous linear position detection throughout the cradle's movement range, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 linear detection and real-time monitoring of the circuit breaker body's position, allowing for precise identification of disconnect, test, and connect positions, improving operational accuracy and ease of use by overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor installed in the cradle so as to be disposed adjacent to the guide hole, wherein the optical sensor is configured to emit light to the reflective area of the position detecting member, and measure an amount of light reflected therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an entrance and exit position detection device for a power device. The entrance and exit position detection device for a power device comprises: a cradle which is open on one side and has an arrangement space formed therein; a power device body which may be in the arrangement space and has a guide plate formed on one side portion thereof; and a position detection part which linearly detects the displaced position of the power device body while the cradle enters and exits the arrangement space. Also, the present disclosure provides an entrance and exit monitoring system which has the above-described entrance and exit position detection device for the power device.