Flat Loop Magnetic Circuit for Rapid Circuit Breaker Tripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers lack efficient mechanisms to rapidly respond to sudden and large increases in current, which can lead to inadequate protection and coordination with other circuit breakers in the same circuit.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a compact, flat-loop magnetic circuit with a U-shaped yoke and a movable pallet that rapidly closes to activate a trigger mechanism, causing the contacts to open when current surges, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the tripping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional voluminous magnetic circuit loop is used, then the structure is robust, but the device becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit loop is transformed from a conventional three-dimensional voluminous structure into a flat two-dimensional planar structure. This dimensional reduction simplifies the overall device geometry, making it more compact and easier to integrate while maintaining the magnetic circuit's functional integrity for reliable protection response.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit's geometric parameters are fundamentally changed by transitioning from a voluminous 3D configuration to a flat 2D configuration. This parameter change reduces the magnetic path length and simplifies the structure, directly addressing device complexity while preserving the magnetic flux path necessary for reliable operation.
2Loss of time
If the pallet is positioned far from the fixed yoke, then the air gap is larger allowing easier assembly, but the tripping time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit's flat planar geometry enables the pallet and fixed yoke to be positioned in the same plane, allowing for precise alignment and minimal air gap distance. This two-dimensional arrangement facilitates both rapid magnetic response (reducing tripping time) and straightforward assembly through planar alignment features.
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 solution allows for rapid and reliable tripping of circuit breakers in response to sudden current increases, improving protection and coordination with other circuit breakers, while being simple to produce and install, and adaptable to various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic circuit passing through this U-shaped yoke with flat branches therefore forms a flat loop
Implementation Method 2
the pallet closes in a few milliseconds, activating the trigger
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Instantaneous trip for electrical apparatus for protecting lines of the circuit breaker type, comprising per line a pair of respectively fixed and moving contacts and two devices for connection to said line, a handle for controlling said contacts between a first separation position and a second contact position. This electrical apparatus is characterized in that the electrical link between the moving contact and the connection device linked thereto passes through a magnetic circuit in the form of a loop of plane shape furnished with a fixed yoke (2) and with a movable pallet (3) that can move against restoring means (10) recalling it to the open position, said pallet (3) actuating a trip (11) of the lock when it is attracted into contact with the fixed part (2) of the loop.