Electronic Circuit Breaker With Auto Reset and Voltage Threshold Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers, particularly those using Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) auto-recovery fuses, are heavily influenced by ambient temperature and lack an auto-recovery feature, necessitating replacement after overcurrent events, which is inefficient and poses risks due to temperature dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-protective circuit breaker incorporating a current sensing circuit, control circuit, comparison circuit, latch circuit, electric relay, and protective circuit that sets a threshold voltage and compares input voltage, allowing for automatic reset and protection against overcurrent without temperature dependence, using adjustable resistors and op-amp comparators to manage the relay's state and consume excess voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If PPTC auto-recovery fuses are used for overcurrent protection, then automatic reset capability is achieved, but temperature dependence causes unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature-based mechanical reset mechanism of PPTC fuses with an electronic control system using a microcontroller, voltage divider circuit, and MOSFET. This substitution eliminates temperature dependence while maintaining automatic reset functionality through electronic sensing and control of the tripping threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameter from temperature (in PPTC fuses) to voltage threshold detection. By using a voltage divider circuit with adjustable resistors to set a specific voltage threshold, the system achieves temperature-independent operation while maintaining automatic protection and reset capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional fuses are used for overcurrent protection, then simple and reliable operation is achieved, but manual replacement is required after tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the circuit breaker automatically detects overcurrent conditions, trips the circuit, and then automatically resets after a predetermined time delay without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller monitors the circuit state and automatically recloses the MOSFET after the delay period, enabling the device to serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous protection by implementing an automatic reset mechanism that keeps the circuit operational after tripping. Unlike traditional fuses that require replacement, this system continuously monitors and automatically restores power after the delay period, ensuring uninterrupted useful action.
3Extent of automation
If circuit breakers with motor operators are used for remote control, then automatic operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex motor operator mechanism from traditional circuit breakers. Instead, it uses a simple electronic control circuit with a microcontroller, voltage divider, and MOSFET to achieve automatic operation, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining automation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical motor operator system with an electronic control system. The MOSFET acts as an electronic switch controlled by the microcontroller, eliminating the need for motors, gears, and other mechanical components while achieving the same automatic opening and closing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker for protecting against a short circuit and over current. The circuit breaker includes a current sensing circuit configured to determine an input voltage. The circuit breaker also includes a control circuit configured to set a threshold voltage. The circuit breaker further includes a comparison circuit configured to compare the input voltage to the threshold voltage. The circuit breaker, in addition, includes a voltage output circuit configured to output an output voltage based on the comparison circuit.