Circuit Protection Device Programmable Configuration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit breakers have limited configuration options due to space constraints, as they typically require multiple adjustable components for different current thresholds, which are not easily scalable.

Innovation Solution

A circuit protection device with an adjustment device, memory, and processor that allows for programmable control of operational parameters based on a selected voltage, enabling remapping of adjustable components to various settings without physical changes, thus expanding configuration possibilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable components are added to provide different current thresholds, then configuration options are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidnumber of adjustable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single adjustable component to control multiple operational parameters through software configuration. The processor selectively couples the adjustment device to different operational parameters based on selector values, allowing one physical component to serve multiple functions that traditionally required separate components for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical adjustable components with an electronic/software-based system. The processor and memory store selector values that determine which operational parameter is controlled by the adjustment device, substituting mechanical multiplication of components with electronic configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable components are added to provide different current thresholds, then configuration options are improved, but available space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single adjustable component to control multiple operational parameters through software configuration. The processor selectively couples the adjustment device to different operational parameters based on selector values, allowing one physical component to serve multiple functions that traditionally required separate components for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical adjustable components with an electronic/software-based system. The processor and memory store selector values that determine which operational parameter is controlled by the adjustment device, substituting mechanical multiplication of components with electronic configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional circuit breaker design is used with fixed adjustable components, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different customer requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidproduct configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical adjustable components with an electronic/software-based system. The processor and memory store selector values that determine which operational parameter is controlled by the adjustment device, substituting mechanical multiplication of components with electronic configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter controlled by the adjustment device based on stored selector values. The processor reads the selector from memory and configures which parameter (such as different current thresholds or timing characteristics) is adjusted by the adjustment device, allowing software-defined parameter mapping rather than fixed hardware assignments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9054513B2Circuit protection device and methods of configuring a circuit protection device

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ABB SPA

AI summary

A circuit protection device includes an adjustment device configured to provide a selected voltage, a memory configured to store a selector, and a processor coupled to the memory and to the adjustment device. The processor is configured to receive the selector from the memory, select an operational parameter of the circuit protection device based on the selector, receive a voltage value representative of a selected voltage provided by the adjustment device, and set the selected operational parameter to a parameter value based on the voltage value received.