Industrial Control Fuse Monitoring for Fast Fault Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face difficulties in quickly and timely determining if a fuse has blown and which fuse needs to be replaced in industrial control apparatuses, leading to cumbersome troubleshooting and potential delays in replacement.

Innovation Solution

An industrial control apparatus with a detection assembly that sends a detection signal when a fuse is blown, comprising resistive devices and an isolation device, coupled with a processing device to output identification and position information, and a human-machine interface to alert operators through characters, graphics, or sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If operators manually check indicator lights in field facilities to determine fuse status, then they can obtain fuse information, but the troubleshooting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting timeVSAvoidease of fuse status checking
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the control apparatus continuously monitors fuse status through detection assemblies and immediately communicates blown fuse information to operators via display interfaces, eliminating the need for manual field checking and significantly reducing troubleshooting time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring of fuse status through integrated detection assemblies that automatically detect and report blown fuses without requiring operator intervention, enabling the apparatus to service itself by providing real-time fault information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If operators need to physically go to cabinet facilities to check indicator lights, then they can identify blown fuses, but the operation becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuse replacement efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of fuse status monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces detection assemblies as intermediary components that mediate between the fuse and the operator, automatically detecting fuse status and transmitting this information through the control system to display interfaces, thereby eliminating the need for operators to physically inspect indicator lights and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical inspection of indicator lights with automated electrical detection mechanisms that electronically monitor fuse status and communicate information through the control system, substituting physical field checking with automated electronic monitoring to improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates timely and accurate detection of blown fuses, enabling swift replacement and reducing troubleshooting time by providing immediate and clear information to operators.

Implementation Method 1

the isolation device comprises an optical coupler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP4286874A1Industrial control apparatus and monitoring method for industrial control apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4286874A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286874A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286874A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide industrial control apparatus and monitoring methods for industrial control apparatus. The industrial control apparatus comprises: at least one input or output module, each input or output module comprising a fuse adapted to be coupled between a power supply and a user load, and a detection assembly coupled to the fuse and configured to send a detection signal after monitoring that the fuse is blown; and a processing device communicatively coupled to the detection assembly of each input or output module and configured to output information that the input or output module associated with the detection signal is blown. By the aspects of the present disclosure, it is advantageous for an operator to timely obtain information that the fuse is blown and to improve the efficiency of locating and replacing the fuse.