Direct Electromagnet Latch Attraction Circuit Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breaker designs require complex and costly solenoid structures for tripping mechanisms, which increase system volume, mass, and response time, and interfere with other operational components.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnet is used to directly attract the latch, positioned in close proximity to the latch extension, allowing efficient magnetic attraction without adding mass or volume, and enabling independent operation with both electronic and electromechanical trip units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid structure is used for the tripping mechanism, then the circuit breaker can trip upon fault detection, but the system volume and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional solenoid mechanical structure with an electromagnet that directly attracts the latch. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining the tripping function, thereby reducing system mass while preserving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary intermediate components from the solenoid structure, keeping only the essential electromagnet and latch elements. This simplification reduces system mass while maintaining the core tripping functionality
2Reliability
If a solenoid structure is used for the tripping mechanism, then the circuit breaker can trip upon fault detection, but the system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet directly attracts the latch without requiring solenoid mechanical structures, significantly reducing the space required for the tripping mechanism while maintaining reliable fault detection and tripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnet and latch into a closely integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate solenoid structures and intermediate linkages. This consolidation reduces system volume while preserving functional reliability
3Reliability
If a solenoid structure is used for the tripping mechanism, then the circuit breaker can trip upon fault detection, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The direct electromagnet-to-latch attraction eliminates mechanical transmission delays inherent in solenoid structures. The electromagnetic force acts directly on the latch, reducing response time while maintaining reliable tripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
By removing intermediate mechanical linkages from the solenoid structure, the patent eliminates additional mechanical transmission steps that contribute to response time delays, achieving faster tripping response
4Reliability
If a solenoid structure is used for the tripping mechanism, then the circuit breaker can trip upon fault detection, but other operational components are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified electromagnet design with direct latch attraction creates a more adaptable system that can work harmoniously with both electronic and electromechanical trip units, unlike complex solenoid structures that interfere with other components
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet-latch assembly is designed to be universally compatible with different trip unit types (electronic and electromechanical), enhancing the system's adaptability and versatility while maintaining reliable tripping functionality
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
This design simplifies the tripping mechanism, reduces system volume and mass, and maintains efficient operation without increasing response time or interfering with other components, while allowing harmonious operation with both electronic and electromechanical trip units.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet unit having windings, oriented in the housing proximal the latch, without any components interposed between them. The electromagnet directly attracts the latch and disengages the latch when the windings are energized
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker includes a trip unit and an electronic fault detection unit sharing a common trip latch for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by either unit. The circuit breaker has an electromagnet for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by an electronic fault detection unit. The electromagnet is oriented in the housing proximal the trip latch without any components interposed between them, and directly attracts the latch. Advantageously the electromagnet orientation does not impact operation or the range of motion of the latch or other trip unit components. Advantageously the circuit breaker of the present invention does not increase the trip latch mass, its bulk swept volume through its range of motion or require additional linkage components that potentially might increase trip cycle time. In some embodiments the electromagnet core is reciprocable.