Circuit Interrupter Display Unit Power Switching for Trip Info
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit interrupters, particularly those using liquid crystal displays, face maintenance challenges due to the limited lifespan of batteries used as secondary power sources, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in displaying trip information after power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A display unit with a memory or bi-stable display that receives direct current power and a secondary power source, allowing the display to switch and maintain trip information without continuous power, using a processor to control the display and a power source selection circuit to switch between direct current and secondary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a liquid crystal display unit with a battery or rechargeable battery is used to display trip information during circuit interruption, then the display can maintain trip information without continuous power, but the battery has a limited lifespan and must be periodically replaced, increasing maintenance cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display unit from the circuit interrupter housing, allowing it to be a separate, portable device that can be removed and replaced independently. This enables the display unit to be maintained or replaced without affecting the circuit interrupter itself, reducing overall maintenance costs while maintaining the ability to display trip information during interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters by providing the display unit with a substantial charge capacity that enables operation for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days or more) without continuous power. This parameter change extends the operational duration while reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal display unit with a battery is used to display trip information, then the display can function during circuit interruption, but the battery adds device complexity and requires periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is designed to be self-contained with its own power supply and processing capabilities, allowing it to independently display trip information without requiring complex integration with the circuit interrupter's internal systems. The substantial charge capacity enables the unit to serve itself during interruptions without needing frequent external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: the circuit interrupter that detects trips and the portable display unit that presents information. This segmentation allows the display unit to be optimized for portability and independent operation, reducing the complexity of integrating battery management into the main circuit interrupter system
3Illumination intensity
If conventional displays are used in circuit interrupters, then continuous power is required to maintain display, but during circuit interruption the power source is lost and display cannot function
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is pre-charged with a substantial charge capacity before circuit interruption occurs. This preliminary energy storage enables the display to immediately function when power is lost, maintaining visibility during the entire interruption period without requiring continuous power connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous display operation by providing the display unit with sufficient charge capacity to operate for a predetermined extended period (e.g., 30 days or more) without power. This maintains the useful action of displaying trip information continuously throughout the circuit interruption event
Data Source
AI summary
A display unit is configured for use with a circuit interrupter which outputs a trip notification, trip information, and direct current power to the display unit The display unit comprises: a processor having a routine; a secondary power source configured to output secondary power; a memory display configured to receive the direct current power or the secondary power; and a power source selection circuit configured to switch the memory display from the direct current power to the secondary power in response to the display unit receiving the trip notification, wherein the routine of said processor is structured to control the memory display to display the trip information in response to the display unit receiving the trip notification.