Air Circuit Breaker Temperature Sensor Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air circuit breakers face challenges in monitoring the inner temperature of the conduction unit, leading to potential damage from abnormal heating, as existing methods are inefficient in real-time temperature sensing and installation of temperature sensors is difficult at critical points.
Innovation Solution
An air circuit breaker equipped with a temperature sensor connected to a display and warning device, allowing real-time temperature monitoring and alerting users to excessive temperatures, using a resilient member for secure insertion and a compensation unit for accurate temperature readings, with a warning system to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is installed to monitor the conduction unit temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within the detection unit housing, which itself is housed within the breaker body. This nested arrangement allows the temperature sensor to be positioned close to the conduction unit for accurate monitoring while utilizing the existing structural hierarchy to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit serves as an intermediary structure that houses the temperature sensor and positions it near the conduction unit. This mediator structure facilitates temperature monitoring without requiring direct integration of the sensor into the conduction unit itself, thereby reducing installation complexity.
2Temperature
If the conduction unit temperature increases, then heat dissipation capability should be improved, but this may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The conduction unit housing is made of heat-conductive material that naturally dissipates heat from the conduction unit to the surrounding environment. This self-service approach utilizes the inherent thermal properties of the housing material to provide passive cooling without requiring additional active cooling systems or complex thermal management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material is selected with specific thermal conductivity parameters to optimize heat dissipation. By changing the material parameter (thermal conductivity) of the housing, the system achieves improved heat dissipation capability while maintaining the existing structural design.
3Reliability
If the movable contactor and stationary contactor are connected to form a closed circuit, then electrical conductivity is improved, but abnormal heating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the conduction unit and provides feedback to the control unit. When abnormal temperature rise is detected, the control unit can trigger protective actions such as opening the circuit or alerting operators, thereby preventing damage from abnormal heating while maintaining reliable circuit operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring system is established before abnormal heating occurs, allowing for early detection of temperature trends. The resilient member is pre-positioned to provide preliminary mechanical protection, and the temperature sensor is pre-installed to detect temperature changes before they reach dangerous levels, enabling preventive rather than reactive measures.
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 continuous monitoring and prevention of damage from abnormal heating, ensuring safe operation by alerting users to potential overheating, thus protecting power systems and extending the lifespan of the air circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor (150) for measuring a temperature inside the air circuit breaker (1000)
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member (158) coupled to the temperature sensor (150), wherein the resilient member (158) elastically surrounds a portion of the temperature sensor (150)
Implementation Method 3
the current introduced into the upper terminal (46) flows to a lower terminal (47) via the movable contactor (42). When the conduction circuit of the air circuit breaker is closed, the current flows to the conduction unit (40) to increase the temperature of the air circuit breaker due to generated heat of conductors including the contact points
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The air circuit breaker having a temperature sensor comprises: a temperature sensor sensing a temperature by being inserted into a sensor insertion hole formed the base mold; and a temperature display indicating a value detected by the temperature sensor as a temperature of the conduction unit, whereby the temperature inside the breaker is always monitored to prevent the damage caused by over-heating of the conduction unit.