Circuit Interrupter Audible Indicator Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit interrupters, such as GFCIs, often rely solely on visual indicators like LEDs, which may not be noticed by users not looking at the device, failing to effectively alert them to a tripped state during fault conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an audible indicator circuit that outputs a sound when the separable contacts trip open, in addition to a visual indicator, to ensure user awareness of fault conditions, comprising a buzzer, zener diode, capacitor, and switch connected in parallel, with the buzzer producing an audible sound when current flows through it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only visual indicators (LED) are used to indicate tripped state, then device complexity is reduced, but user awareness of fault condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual indication (LED) and audible indication (buzzer) into a single indicator circuit system. The indicator circuit includes both an LED for visual feedback and a buzzer for audible feedback, allowing the device to provide multiple types of user notification through a unified circuit design that shares common control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both visual indication through the LED and audible indication through the buzzer. The circuit can operate in different modes (normal operation indicated by green LED, fault condition indicated by red LED and buzzer sound), making a single circuit system versatile in communicating device state to the user.
2Reliability
If audible indicator is added to alert users, then user awareness of fault condition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual indication (LED) and audible indication (buzzer) into a single indicator circuit system. The indicator circuit includes both an LED for visual feedback and a buzzer for audible feedback, allowing the device to provide multiple types of user notification through a unified circuit design that shares common control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both visual indication through the LED and audible indication through the buzzer. The circuit can operate in different modes (normal operation indicated by green LED, fault condition indicated by red LED and buzzer sound), making a single circuit system versatile in communicating device state to the user.
3Reliability
If multiple indicators (visual and audible) are used, then user awareness is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to silence audible alert
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism serves a dual purpose: it resets the circuit breaker functionality while simultaneously silencing the audible buzzer alert. When the user presses the reset button, the system automatically stops the buzzer sound as part of the reset process, eliminating the need for a separate silence button and allowing the user to control both functions through a single action.
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 audible indicator enhances user awareness of tripped states even when not looking at the device, allowing for immediate attention and optional silencing, while the visual indicator remains for confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
an audible indicator circuit structured to output an audible sound in response to the trip circuit tripping open the separable contacts
Implementation Method 2
a buzzer producing an audible sound when current flows through it
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit interrupter includes a line conductor, a neutral conductor, separable contacts structured to open to interrupt current flowing through the line and neutral conductors, a circuit interrupter circuit structured to detect a fault based on current flowing through the line and neutral conductors and to output a trip signal in response to detecting the fault, a trip circuit structured to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip signal, and an audible indicator circuit structured to output an audible sound in response to the trip circuit tripping open the separable contacts.