Circuit Breaker Arrangement with Adjustable Tripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanical circuit breakers require manual resetting and have fixed tripping current limits, making them inefficient for remote control and adaptable protection in varying current conditions, leading to potential over-tripping and unnecessary servicing.

Innovation Solution

A circuit breaker arrangement with an additional monitoring and control circuit that allows for adjustable tripping conditions and remote operation, using sensors, actuators, and a programmable microcontroller to manage the electromechanical circuit breaker's lever, enabling customizable tripping thresholds and remote ON/OFF control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electromechanical circuit breaker with fixed tripping condition is used, then the device is reliable and low cost, but the tripping current limit cannot be changed without replacing the entire circuit breaker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetripping current limit adjustabilityVSAvoidcircuit breaker structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the fixed tripping function into two independent parts: the original electromechanical circuit breaker with its fixed tripping curve, and an additional electronic monitoring circuit with adjustable tripping conditions. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original characteristics while the system as a whole gains adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the fixed tripping mechanism of the electromechanical circuit breaker with the adjustable tripping logic of an electronic monitoring circuit. The two systems work together, with the electronic circuit monitoring current and triggering the electromechanical breaker when thresholds are exceeded, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the circuit breaker is manually reset after tripping, then the device is simple and reliable, but remote locations require much effort and time for resetting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresetting operationVSAvoidtravel time to reset location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables the circuit breaker to be reset automatically without human intervention. The electronic monitoring circuit detects tripping conditions and activates an actuator mechanism that automatically resets the electromechanical circuit breaker, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual resetting trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical resetting operation with an automated electromechanical system. An actuator mechanism, controlled by the electronic monitoring circuit, mechanically resets the circuit breaker lever, substituting human physical action with an automated mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a circuit breaker with lower current limit is used when the required limit is not available, then the circuit breaker is readily available, but unnecessary tripping occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit breaker availabilityVSAvoidtripping accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the effective tripping parameters of the circuit breaker system by introducing an electronic monitoring circuit with adjustable current thresholds. This allows the system to operate with higher effective current limits than the underlying electromechanical breaker's fixed rating, preventing unnecessary tripping while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 selective tripping current limits without replacing circuit breakers, allows remote operation, and provides automatic or remote resetting, enhancing efficiency and reducing unnecessary travel for maintenance, while ensuring backup protection with standard electromechanical circuit breakers.

Implementation Method 1

sensor means for measuring current of the power distribution line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 2

actuator means for mechanically turning the lever of the electromechanical circuit breaker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9449777B2Circuit breaker arrangement and power distribution unit

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 EFORE TELECOM FINLAND OY

AI summary

A circuit breaker arrangement in supply of electric power has advantageous applications especially in power distribution units which supply DC power to electrical devices. Electromechanical circuit breakers are commonly used for circuit protection. They have a disadvantage of fixed tripping conditions, which can only be changed by changing the circuit breaker component. This is solved by providing a circuit breaker arrangement which has an electromechanical circuit breaker with a first, fixed tripping condition, and an additional circuit, which monitors the output current and mechanically trips the circuit breaker if the current exceeds a second tripping condition. This way, it is possible to use the first tripping condition of the electromechanical circuit breaker and/or a second, controllable tripping condition.