Circuit Breaker Reset Detection via Coil Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breaker detection devices are expensive and require mechanical coupling, making them costly and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electrical pulse associated with an induced current in a coil of an actuator to generate a signal indicating the resetting of a circuit breaker, which simplifies the detection process and reduces costs by eliminating the need for mechanical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detection device with permanent magnets and micro-switches is used to detect circuit breaker states, then the detection function is reliable, but the device becomes expensive and mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection system (permanent magnets, micro-switches, and their mechanical coupling to the handle) with an electrical sensing system. The coil detects the position of the movable contact through electromagnetic induction, generating electrical signals that indicate circuit breaker states without requiring mechanical coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coil as an intermediary element between the movable contact and the detection system. The coil generates electrical signals in response to the position of the movable contact, serving as a mediator that translates mechanical position into electrical information without direct mechanical coupling between the handle and detection components.
2Reliability
If a detection device with permanent magnets and micro-switches is used to detect circuit breaker states, then the detection function is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (permanent magnets, micro-switches, precision mechanical linkages) with a simpler electrical sensing coil. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining detection reliability, as the coil can be easily integrated into the existing actuator structure without requiring precision mechanical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing electromagnetic coil in the actuator for dual purposes: both for actuating the movable contact and for detecting its position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection functionality.
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 cost-effective and straightforward method to detect circuit breaker resets, using an electrical pulse induced in the coil during the core's movement from its working to rest position, generating a clear indication signal that can be easily transmitted, thus reducing implementation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pulse corresponding to an electric current induced in the coil by the movement of the core movable from its working position to its rest position when resetting the circuit breaker
Data Source
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AI summary
This detection device (35) allows the detection of the resetting of an electrical circuit breaker (10). The electrical circuit breaker (10) comprises fixed contacts (12) and moving contacts (14), the moving contact (14) being adapted to move between an open position in which the fixed and moving contacts (12, 14) are separated and a closed position in which the moving contact (14) is pressed against the fixed contact (12), a mechanism (16) for separating the contacts (12, 14), a handle (18) for resetting the mechanism (16) from the open position to the closed position of the moving contact (14), and an actuator (20) for the separation mechanism (16), the actuator (20) comprising an electromagnetic coil and a movable core between a rest position and an operating position in which the separation mechanism (16) is actuated, the coil being adapted to cause the moving core to move from its rest position to its operating position.The detection device (35) includes means for generating a reset indication signal from an electrical pulse, the electrical pulse corresponding to an electric current induced in the coil by the displacement of the moving core from its working position to its rest position during the reset of the circuit breaker.