Circuit Breaker with Electronic Interruption for Fast Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breaker devices for low-voltage circuits lack advanced configurability and adaptive response mechanisms to effectively manage current flow interruptions based on varying parameters such as current, voltage, and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker device equipped with a current sensor unit, a mechanical isolating contact unit, an electronic interruption unit, and a control unit that can configure the manner of preventing current flow based on exceeded parameters, allowing for high-impedance states or electrical isolation configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a circuit breaker device uses a semiconductor-based electronic interruption unit, then the speed of current interruption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interruption mechanisms with semiconductor-based electronic switching elements (such as IGBTs or MOSFETs) that can interrupt current flow electronically. This substitution enables much faster interruption speeds while reducing mechanical wear and complexity of moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the circuit breaker by using electronic switching elements that can be controlled through voltage and current parameters rather than mechanical force. The control unit adjusts the switching timing and duration to achieve optimal interruption speed while managing device complexity through software control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit breaker device adds configurable response mechanisms for multiple parameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control unit that can monitor multiple parameters (current, voltage, temperature) and configure different response strategies for various fault conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to adapt to different scenarios through software configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors circuit parameters, compares them against configured thresholds, and automatically adjusts the interruption strategy. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive response without requiring complex manual configuration for each scenario.
3Reliability
If the circuit breaker device uses both mechanical isolating contact unit and electronic interruption unit, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit breaker into two distinct functional units: a mechanical isolating contact unit for physical disconnection and an electronic interruption unit for rapid current suppression. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its optimal function while working together to achieve high overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a coordinated operation where the electronic interruption unit activates first to suppress current flow before the mechanical contacts open. This prior cushioning action prevents dangerous arcing when the mechanical contacts separate, thereby protecting the mechanical unit and enhancing overall system reliability.
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 device provides enhanced functionality and safety by allowing configurable responses to parameter exceedances, ensuring effective current flow interruption and prevention of faults such as short circuits and overloads.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic interruption unit which is connected in series with the mechanical isolating contact unit on the circuit side and which, as a result of semiconductor-based switching elements, has a high-impedance state of the switching elements in order to prevent a current flow or a low-impedance state of the switching elements for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit
Implementation Method 2
a current sensor unit for ascertaining the level of the current of the low-voltage circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker protects an electric low-voltage circuit and contains a mechanical separating contact unit, which has an open state of its contacts in order to prevent a current flow in the low-voltage circuit or a closed state of the contacts for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit, and an electronic interruption unit, which is connected in series to the mechanical separating contact unit on the circuit side and which, as a result of semiconductor-based switch elements, has a high-ohmic state of the switch elements in order to prevent a current flow or a low-ohmic state of the switch elements for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit. The level of the current of the low-voltage circuit is ascertained, and if at least one current threshold or a current/time threshold is exceeded, a process for preventing a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated.