Electronic Circuit Breaker Dual-Microcomputer Tripping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuit breakers with a single microcomputer control unit face increased processing time and memory usage due to varied overcurrent time-limit characteristics and display control functions, leading to insufficient power supply when currents are low, and potential erroneous tripping signals during power instability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-microcomputer system where one microcomputer handles A/D conversion and calculation, and the other manages time-limit characteristics, sharing processing loads and reducing memory usage, with a tripping device driven by instantaneous and time-limit signals to open the switching contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microcomputer control unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but processing time increases and memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single microcomputer control unit is segmented into two separate microcomputers: a first microcomputer handling A/D conversion and calculation, and a second microcomputer handling time-limit characteristics and display control. This division reduces the processing burden on each unit, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining structural complexity at an acceptable level.
2Device complexity
If a single microcomputer control unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory requirements are segmented between two microcomputers, each with its own memory space. The first microcomputer stores A/D conversion results and calculation data, while the second microcomputer stores time-limit characteristics and display control data. This distribution reduces the peak memory usage requirement compared to a single microcomputer that must store all data simultaneously.
3Loss of time
If processing load is increased to reduce processing time, then processing time is reduced, but power consumption increases leading to insufficient power supply when currents are low
Solution Approach 1:
The processing load is segmented between two microcomputers, each executing only the functions required for its specific task. This reduces the overall computational burden compared to a single microcomputer performing all functions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reduced processing time. The distributed architecture allows for more efficient power management.
4Productivity
If power supply is increased to support higher processing loads, then processing capability is improved, but operational reliability decreases due to potential erroneous tripping signals during power instability
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented into two independent microcomputers with separate processing paths. This segmentation creates redundancy and independence in critical functions, so that power fluctuations affecting one microcomputer do not necessarily cause erroneous tripping signals. The distributed architecture improves operational reliability by isolating potential failure points.
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 reduces processing time and memory usage, prevents erroneous tripping, and ensures stable operation by sharing A/D conversion and calculation units between microcomputers, while maintaining efficient power management and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Reference signs 21, 22, and 23 are current transformers that detect load currents flowing in the electric paths 111, 112, and 113
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention includes a first microcomputer (50a) to which an output signal of a current detecting device that detects a current in an electric path is inputted, and a second microcomputer (50b) that acquires information on current flowing through the electric path from the first microcomputer. The first microcomputer (50a) outputs an instantaneous tripping signal, and the second microcomputer (50b) outputs a time-limit tripping signal. The reset outputs of reset circuits (14a, 14b) are connected to reset terminals of the respective microcomputers (50a, 50b) and input terminals of an undervoltage operation prohibiting circuit.