Self-test Module for Electronic Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic low voltage circuit breakers lack a convenient and comprehensive self-test function, requiring external accessories that are expensive and inconvenient to use, especially during manufacturing, installation, or maintenance, and provide unclear detection information.
Innovation Solution
A self-test module for electronic circuit breakers comprising a power supply assembly, self-test enablement assembly, induced power supply assembly, boost power supply, and micro control unit, which allows for self-testing without external accessories by using a rechargeable battery, capacitors, power chips, and a micro control unit to power and monitor the circuit breaker's components, indicating test status through a screen and indicator light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external accessories are used for self-testing, then the testing function can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the self-test function directly into the electronic circuit breaker by combining the power supply assembly, self-test enablement assembly, induced power supply assembly, boost power supply, and micro control unit into a single integrated module. This eliminates the need for separate external test accessories while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities including completeness verification and reliability assessment of the action mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit breaker performs self-testing using its own internal components. The rechargeable battery powers the micro control unit which executes self-test procedures to check the completeness of components and obtain detection results. The system uses its own power supply assembly and control unit to test itself, eliminating dependency on external test equipment.
2Reliability
If external accessories are used for self-testing, then the testing function can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The self-test function is merged into the circuit breaker body as an integrated module. The enablement button is directly accessible on the device, and the micro control unit automatically executes testing procedures when activated. Users simply need to press the enablement button to initiate comprehensive testing, eliminating the need to carry or connect external test equipment.
3Reliability
If external accessories are used for self-testing, then the testing function can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker uses its own internal components for self-testing. The rechargeable battery, micro control unit, and power supply assembly that are already part of the circuit breaker's normal operation are repurposed to perform self-diagnostics. This eliminates the need for separate expensive test accessories while providing comprehensive testing capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If self-test function is implemented without external accessories, then the ease of operation improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-test function is activated periodically or on-demand through the enablement button rather than continuously. The micro control unit executes self-test procedures only when triggered, allowing the circuit breaker to operate normally during non-testing periods. This periodic activation minimizes overall power consumption while maintaining testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rechargeable battery to store energy for self-test operations. The battery can be charged during normal operation and then discharged to power the micro control unit during self-test procedures. This energy recovery and storage mechanism allows intermittent high-power testing operations without requiring continuous high power consumption.
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 convenient and comprehensive self-testing of electronic circuit breakers under non-working conditions, providing clear test results without additional accessories, ensuring the completeness and reliability of the circuit breakers during manufacturing, installation, or maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply assembly comprises a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The self-test enablement assembly comprises an enablement button, a capacitor and a first power chip which are connected in series
Implementation Method 3
the induced power supply assembly receives a DC signal generated by a current transformer from a load current
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a self-test module of electronic circuit breaker. The self-test module comprises a power supply assembly, a self-test enablement assembly, an induced power supply assembly, a boost power supply and a micro control unit. The power supply assembly comprises a rechargeable battery. The self-test enablement assembly comprises an enablement button, a capacitor and a first power chip which are connected in series. The self-test enablement assembly is connected to the rechargeable battery. The induced power supply assembly comprises a buck chip. The boost power supply comprises a second power chip and a boost chip which are connected in series. The micro control unit provided with a plurality of pins which are connected to the first power chip, the second power chip, the buck chip and the boost chip respectively. The self-test module of electronic circuit breaker has two working modes, the electronic circuit breaker may be provided with a load current or without a load current. The MCU operates the self-test procedure, indicates the self-test status and maintains the indication for a period of time.