Circuit Protection System Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit breakers and other electric devices often experience disconnections in current measuring circuits due to improper installation or wear, leading to false or lost current measurements, which existing monitoring systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A circuit protection system that includes a processor, a current sensing device with nodes, and a connection verification portion to induce a current and verify the connection between the sensing device and the processor, allowing for the detection of disconnections and outputting an indication to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current sensing device is installed in a circuit protection system, then current measurement capability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to improper installation or wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connection verification by inducing a test current through the current sensing device before normal operation. The processor monitors whether this test current is properly detected, allowing early detection of connection issues before they affect actual current measurements and system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the output of the current sensing circuit. By comparing the expected test current signal with the actual signal received, the system can detect connection failures and trigger appropriate error handling or system shutdown procedures.
2Reliability
If connection monitoring is added to detect disconnections, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection verification portion utilizes the existing current sensing device and processor to perform dual functions: normal current measurement and connection verification. The same current sensing circuit and processor monitoring capabilities are used for both operational current sensing and for detecting connection integrity through induced test currents, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own current sensing capabilities to verify connection integrity. The processor controls the induction of test currents and monitors the results using the existing current sensing circuitry, allowing the system to self-verify its own connection status without requiring external monitoring equipment or additional complex diagnostic subsystems.
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
Ensures proper connection of the current sensing device to the processor, preventing false measurements and enabling timely intervention by the system to maintain accurate current monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a connection verification portion connected to the first node, the second node, and the processor, the connection verification portion operative to induce a current through the current sensing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit protection system includes a logic portion (108), a current sensing device (102) having a first node (10) and a second node (20), a current sensing circuit (120) connected to the first node (10) and the second node (20), the current sensing circuit (120) operative to output a voltage indicative of a current sensed by the current sensing device (102) to the logic portion (108), and a connection verification portion (130) connected to the first node (10), the second node (20), and the logic portion (108), the connection verification portion (130) operative to induce a current through the current sensing device (102).