Circuit Breaker Mechanism Position Sensing for Locked Operator Detection

The patent replaces mechanical ON/OFF switches with a magnetic sensing system consisting of a permanent magnet mounted on the mechanism and a sense inductor mounted on the circuit board. This substitution enables continuous position detection and health monitoring without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction by providing precise measurement while maintaining relatively simple system structure.

The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an intermediary element that mediates between the mechanical mechanism and the electronic sensing system. The magnet creates a magnetic field that the sense inductor detects, enabling non-contact position sensing and resolving the contradiction by providing precise detection capability without complex mechanical linkages.

The patent implements continuous feedback by monitoring the sense signal from the sense inductor throughout operation. The control module analyzes this feedback signal to detect abnormal conditions such as locked or damaged operators, improving system reliability by enabling real-time health monitoring without significantly increasing component count.

The patent replaces mechanical switches with a magnetic sensing system that provides both position detection and health monitoring capabilities. This substitution improves reliability by enabling detection of locked or damaged conditions while adding only a permanent magnet and sense inductor, minimizing the increase in device complexity.

The patent implements periodic action by using a half-bridge circuit that alternates between connecting the sense inductor to VCC and ground. This periodic switching enables the sense inductor to generate a detectable signal during transitions while consuming minimal power during static states, resolving the contradiction by providing continuous position detection capability with reduced power consumption.

The patent implements self-service by designing the sense inductor circuit to generate its own detectable signal through the periodic switching action. The changing magnetic flux from the permanent magnet induces voltage in the sense inductor during switching transitions, enabling the system to detect position without requiring continuous external power to the sensing element itself.