Circuit Breaker Tripping Mechanism Using Electronic Time Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for tripping high and medium voltage circuit-breakers, such as those using a pendulum mass, are position-dependent, costly, prone to mechanical failures due to high accelerations and vibrations, and limited in time-delay to about 50 milliseconds, making them unreliable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component integrated with the coil is used to delay the electric impulse, reducing mechanical parts and dependencies, allowing for adjustable and consistent time-delays independent of position and energy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an additional mass (pendulum) is attached to the latching-system to prolong tripping time, then the tripping time is delayed, but the system becomes position-dependent and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pendulum-based time delay system with an electronic time delay circuit. The electronic circuit receives the tripping signal and delays the activation of the coil by a programmable time period, eliminating the need for mechanical components like pendulums that require specific orientations and occupy significant space.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a pendulum mass is used to delay tripping, then time-delay is achieved, but the mechanism requires more mechanical parts increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the entire mechanical time delay mechanism (pendulum, damper, latching components) with an electronic time delay circuit. This circuit uses standard electronic components (resistors, capacitors, or microcontrollers) to achieve the desired delay, significantly reducing mechanical part count and system complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If mechanical parts are used in the latching-system, then time-delay can be achieved, but the parts are exposed to high accelerations and vibrations causing loosening and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vibration-sensitive mechanical components with solid-state electronic components in the time delay circuit. Electronic components have no moving parts and are inherently resistant to high accelerations and vibrations, eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical loosening and wear under harsh conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the energy of the mechanism is adjusted, then operational flexibility is improved, but the force on the latch changes causing variation in time-delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electronic time delay circuit that provides a programmable and stable delay period independent of mechanical energy variations. The electronic circuit can be programmed to maintain a consistent delay time regardless of changes in the mechanical system's energy state, unlike mechanical systems where delay time varies with force and energy adjustments.
5Duration of action of moving object
If a pendulum mass is used for time-delay, then tripping time is prolonged, but the mass increases quadratically with delay time limiting it to about 50 milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mass-dependent mechanical time delay system with an electronic time delay circuit that is not constrained by quadratic mass relationships. Electronic circuits can achieve much longer and more precisely controlled delay times without the exponential increase in component size and weight that plagues mechanical pendulum systems.
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
The solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and space-efficient mechanism with improved repeatability and extended time-delay capabilities beyond 50 milliseconds, enhancing the operational reliability and flexibility of circuit-breaker tripping mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the latching-system or the valve is opened either manually or by a magnetic force created by a current flowing through a coil, the current resulting from an electric impulse applied to the coil
Implementation Method 2
an electronic component able to delay the electric impulse applied to the coil by the time required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Operating mechanism for tripping a circuit-breaker, the operating mechanism comprising a coil (L) having a first terminal and a second terminal, means for generating a first electric impulse, and means for creating, from the first electric impulse, a second electric impulse delayed from the first electric impulse and applied between the first terminal and the second terminal of the coil, characterised in that the means for creating the second electric impulse comprise a delaying circuit (4) and a switch (T2) connected in series with the coil (L), the delaying circuit (4) having an input connected to an output of the means for generating a first electric impulse and an output which delivers the second electric impulse, said second electric impulse being a command signal of the switch (T2).