Semiconductor Circuit Breaker Interlock for Terminal Cover Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor circuit breakers lack an interlock function for terminal covers, allowing arbitrary access and increasing the risk of insulation breakdown, especially in systems requiring stable current supply like energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor circuit breaker design incorporating an interlock mechanism that restricts terminal cover access, using a detachable interface module to control the circuit breaker body, ensuring the terminal cover can only be opened when the interface module is coupled, thereby preventing unauthorized access and ensuring insulation integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interlock function is added to the terminal cover, then insulation performance and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is divided into separate functional modules: a circuit breaker body and a detachable interface module. The interlock function is integrated into the interface module, which can be coupled to or separated from the circuit breaker body. This segmentation allows the interlock function to be added only when needed, maintaining simplicity when the interface module is detached while providing enhanced safety when coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism is designed to dynamically change the state of the terminal cover based on the coupling status of the interface module. When the interface module is coupled, the interlock releases and allows the terminal cover to be opened. When detached, the interlock engages and prevents opening. This dynamic behavior automatically adapts the safety features to the operational context without requiring permanent complex structures.
2Reliability
If the terminal cover is made permanently secure, then insulation performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal cover transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the interface module's coupling status. The interlock mechanism automatically engages to secure the terminal cover when the interface module is detached, and automatically releases to allow opening when the interface module is coupled. This dynamic state change provides both security and operational accessibility without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism is self-actuating based on the physical coupling or detachment of the interface module. No additional controls, switches, or manual operations are required to change the terminal cover's locked state. The system automatically responds to the presence or absence of the interface module, providing both protection and accessibility through passive mechanical interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable interface module is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker system is segmented into a basic circuit breaker body and an optional interface module. The interface module contains the interlock function and can be detachably coupled to the circuit breaker body. This segmentation provides adaptability by allowing users to configure the system according to their needs: using only the simple circuit breaker body for basic applications, or adding the interface module for applications requiring enhanced safety and control features.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is designed as a universal detachable component that can be coupled to the circuit breaker body to provide multiple functions: interlock control, terminal cover locking, and operational authority management. This single module serves multiple protective and control functions, providing versatility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor circuit breaker, and more specifically, to a semiconductor circuit breaker provided with a detachable interface module. The semiconductor circuit breaker, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a circuit breaker main body connected to a main circuit and provided with a module receiving unit on the outer surface thereof; and an interface module provided independently from the circuit breaker main body and detachably coupled to the module receiving unit. The circuit breaker main body comprises: a terminal cover rotatably coupled to a terminal unit of the circuit breaker main body; and an interlock member provided to the circuit breaker main body and restricting or releasing the opening of the terminal cover. The interface module comprises an interlock driving unit for operating the interlock member.