Fiber-Optic Fuse Switch for Noise-Immune Blown Fuse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical micro switches used for blown fuse detection in medium voltage applications pose safety hazards, are susceptible to electrical noise interference, and experience voltage drops, leading to unreliable detection.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch system utilizing fiber optic cables and an optical transceiver module to create a continuous optical loop that is disrupted upon a blown fuse, eliminating the need for electrical signals and reducing safety risks and noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical micro switches are used for blown fuse detection in medium voltage applications, then the detection function is achieved, but safety hazards and susceptibility to electrical noise interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical micro switch system with an optical switch system that uses light instead of electrical signals. The optical switch includes an optical through-channel and an optical blocking portion that moves to block or allow light transmission based on fuse status. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to electrical noise and safety hazards associated with electrical contacts in medium voltage environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the mediator between the fuse status indication and the detection system. The optical transceiver module converts electrical signals to optical signals, and the optical switch modulates these optical signals based on the physical position of the optical blocking portion, which is actuated by the blown fuse indicator component. This intermediary isolates the detection system from electrical interference.
2Ease of operation
If electrical micro switches are used in medium voltage equipment, then fuse detection is enabled, but high-voltage hazards and voltage drops affect safety and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical operation with optical operation. The optical switch uses an optical blocking portion that physically moves to block or transmit light, actuated by the blown fuse indicator component. This mechanical-optical actuation eliminates high-voltage hazards and voltage drop issues while maintaining ease of operation through the same physical actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver module serves as an intermediary that converts electrical control signals to optical signals for transmission through the optical switch. This isolation allows the control system to operate at low voltage while the optical transmission occurs in the medium voltage environment, eliminating high-voltage hazards for the detection electronics.
3Length of stationary object
If standard micro switches are used with longer cable lengths, then detection coverage is extended, but voltage drops increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through long cables with optical signal transmission. Optical fibers have much lower attenuation than electrical cables, allowing for extended detection coverage without significant signal loss. The optical switch maintains reliable detection over longer distances because optical signals do not suffer from the same voltage drop issues as electrical signals.
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 optical switch system provides safe, reliable, and durable blown fuse detection by isolating low-voltage circuits from high-voltage signals, immune to electrical noise and signal drops, ensuring accurate detection without false positives or negatives.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver, and fiber optic cables to provide a continuous optical loop
Implementation Method 2
an actuator having (a) a blown fuse indicator-receiving portion proximate to the fastening portion and located to be directly or indirectly impacted by a blown fuse indicator component from a fuse, and (b) a top portion proximate to the cable connecting portion and comprising an optical blocking portion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An optical switch and system including the same are provided. The optical switch includes (i) a fastening portion configured to releasably attach directly or indirectly to a fuse casing, (ii) a cable connecting portion including a first fiber optic cable connection port, a second fiber optic cable connection port, and an optical through-channel extending from the first fiber optic cable connection port and the second fiber optic connection port; and (iii) an actuator configured to move between a first position associated with a non-blown fuse and a second position associated with a blown fuse. The actuator includes an optical blocking portion that is moved into or within the optical through-channel of the cable connecting portion when the actuator is in the second position.