Compact Residual Current Breaker with Integrated Overcurrent Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional residual current devices (RCDs) lack integrated overcurrent protection and require additional physical space when used with overcurrent protection devices, as they are typically separate from circuit breakers.
Innovation Solution
A single-module circuit breaker design that integrates overcurrent detection, leakage current detection, and a contact mechanism within a compact housing, allowing both protections to function within a single module, utilizing a first longitudinal portion for overcurrent detection, a second for leakage current detection, and a third for the contact mechanism to disrupt conduction paths in response to either condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RCDs are used separately from circuit breakers, then leakage current protection is provided, but additional physical space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RCD (residual current device) and MCB (miniature circuit breaker) into a single integrated unit. The RCD portion detects leakage current through a differential current transformer, while the MCB portion provides overcurrent protection through thermal and magnetic trip mechanisms. Both protection functions share a common housing and operating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing installation space.
2Reliability
If separate overcurrent protection devices are used with RCDs, then overcurrent protection is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit performs multiple functions within a single device: the RCD portion provides leakage current protection through differential measurement, the MCB portion provides overcurrent protection through thermal-magnetic tripping, and both share a common operating mechanism for contact interruption. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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
Enables both overcurrent and leakage current protection within a compact, single module housing, saving space and enhancing efficiency by integrating RCD and microcircuit breaker components, allowing for simultaneous tripping in case of overcurrent or leakage current conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first longitudinal portion includes overcurrent detection componentry configured to detect an overcurrent condition
Implementation Method 2
The second longitudinal portion includes leakage current detection componentry configured to detect a leakage current condition
Implementation Method 3
the contact mechanism is configured to disrupt the first and second conduction paths in response to at least one of the overcurrent condition and the leakage current condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A single-module circuit breaker (100) includes a first longitudinal portion (210), a second longitudinal portion (220), and a third longitudinal portion (230) proximate the first and second longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal portion (210) includes overcurrent detection componentry (208) configured to detect an overcurrent condition. The second longitudinal portion (220) includes leakage current detection componentry (204) configured to detect a leakage current condition. The third longitudinal portion (230) includes a contact mechanism (206), a first conduction path, and a second conduction path, and the contact mechanism (206) is configured to disrupt the first and second conduction paths in response to at least one of the overcurrent condition and the leakage current condition.