Electromagnetic Circuit Breaker Assembly for Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overcurrent protection technologies, such as electromechanical and electronic circuit breakers, are either inflexible, expensive, or lack self-testing capabilities, making them inadequate for versatile and cost-effective protection against overcurrents.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly comprising an electromagnetic actuator, an elastic member, and an electronic device that detects the movement of a movable assembly from a waiting zone to a triggering zone, allowing for flexible operation and communication with external devices, enabling efficient protection against overcurrents without high energy consumption or costly electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical circuit breakers are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reliability of electromechanical actuators with the adaptability of electronic control systems. The control assembly includes an electronic device that can receive external commands and detect overcurrent conditions, while the electromechanical actuator provides reliable physical switching action. This combination allows the circuit breaker to be both reliable and adaptable to different operating conditions and control strategies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic circuit breakers are used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromechanical actuator as an intermediary between the electronic control system and the switching device. The electronic device detects overcurrent conditions and sends control signals, but the electromechanical actuator physically executes the switching action. This intermediary ensures that the critical switching function relies on proven electromechanical reliability rather than purely electronic components.
3Measurement precision
If digital integration and squaring of current sampling are used for protection, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital signal processing operations (squaring and integration) with a simpler electromagnetic detection mechanism. The electromagnetic actuator's magnetic field response to overcurrent conditions provides the necessary measurement precision without requiring continuous digital calculations. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to overcurrent conditions accurately.
4Measurement precision
If electromagnetic actuators with measurement components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electromagnetic actuator to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the switching actuator and the overcurrent detection device. The same electromagnetic components that drive the mechanical switching action also provide the measurement function by responding to the magnetic field generated by overcurrent conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
The solution provides reliable and cost-effective protection against overcurrents, enabling the circuit breaker to perform additional functionalities and conduct self-tests, while maintaining low operational costs and high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator of which a winding to be connected in the line is able to produce a magnetic driving field and of which a movable assembly is movable under the action of this magnetic driving field
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member for recalling the movable assembly towards the waiting zone, in the direction opposite to the triggering zone
Implementation Method 3
a device for detecting a passage of the movable assembly from the zone waiting zone at the triggering zone
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The assembly has an electromagnetic actuator (22) whose coil is connected to a line (2) to produce magnetic field. A moving element (27) is moved under the action of the magnetic field from a waiting area to a release zone. An elastic element retains the moving element. A detection device (23) detects a passage of the moving element. An electronic system (5) monitors of the detection device. A control device (6) controls actuation of a switch (7) in breakage direction of the line when the detection device detects the passage of the moving element from the waiting area to the release zone.