Circuit Breaker Socket Sensor Locking Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanical locking mechanisms in electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, are prone to failure due to wear and are complex, posing a risk to operator safety during maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device with a sensor system that detects the locked or unlocked position of a locking mechanism, ensuring the circuit breaker can only be moved between positions when properly connected and locked, thereby reducing the risk of failure and eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism is used to secure the circuit breaker, then the circuit breaker can be locked in position, but the mechanism is prone to failure due to wear and has complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking mechanism with an electrical locking system. The circuit breaker is equipped with a locking electrode that can be electrically connected to a grounding busbar through a connector. This electrical connection provides the locking function without mechanical moving parts, eliminating wear-related failures and simplifying the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element to detect whether the connector is properly connected. The sensor monitors the electrical connection status and provides feedback to the control system, enabling automated safety interlocks without requiring complex mechanical detection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism with multiple parts is used, then the locking function can be achieved, but the risk of failure due to part wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts in the locking system by using an electrical connection between the locking electrode and grounding busbar. This substitution removes the wear mechanism entirely, as electrical contacts do not experience the same friction and degradation as mechanical components, thereby extending the operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector and locking electrode are designed as simple, replaceable components with no moving parts. Even if these components wear, they can be easily replaced without affecting the overall system, and their simple design minimizes wear accumulation over time.
3Ease of operation
If the circuit breaker can be moved freely without sensor detection, then operation is simpler, but unauthorized movement poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the sensor continuously monitors the connector connection status and communicates this information to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically enable or disable the circuit breaker movement, ensuring that the breaker can only be moved when properly connected and locked, thereby preventing unauthorized movement while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation through the sensor and control system, which automatically determine whether the circuit breaker is in a safe state for movement. This eliminates the need for manual safety checks by operators, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety through automated monitoring and control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical device comprising: - a circuit breaker intended to be installed in an electrical switchgear cell, the circuit breaker being configured to be moved between a plugged-in position and a unplugged position; - a socket (50) configured to be connected to the circuit breaker and comprising a housing (52) and a locking means (54) connected to said housing (52), the locking means (54) being configured to, when the socket (50) is connected to the circuit breaker, move between a locked position, in which the locking means (54) engages at least one anchoring element provided on the housing (52), and an unlocked position, in which the locking means (54) is released from at least one anchoring element, the socket (50) further comprising a sensor (80) configured to detect the locked position and/or the unlocked position of the locking means (54),in which the circuit breaker (40) is configured to be moved between an inside and an outside of the electrical switchgear cell (20), the sensor (80) further configured to cause the circuit breaker (40) to trip before the circuit breaker (40) is moved from the inside to the outside of the electrical switchgear cell (20) when the locking means (54) is in the unlocked position and/or to cause the circuit breaker (40) to trip and allow the movement of said circuit breaker (40) between the plugged-in and unplugged positions when the locking means (54) is in the locked position.