Autonomous Pyrotechnic Circuit Breaker Using Fuse-Arc Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pyrotechnic circuit breakers require complex control circuits and an external power source, leading to increased cost and bulk, as they are not autonomous.
Innovation Solution
A protection device that uses the fuse to provide information on fault currents and generates the necessary voltage for the control circuit, eliminating the need for an external power source, with a diagnostic system to detect failures and improve switching performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pyrotechnic circuit breaker with control circuit is used, then the circuit breaking function is improved, but the device complexity and size increase due to external power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse provides self-service by generating the supply voltage needed for the control circuit through its own operation. When the fuse melts during overcurrent, it creates an electric arc that generates voltage, which automatically powers the control circuit to trigger the breaking component, eliminating the need for external power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers electrical energy from the fuse's melting process. The electric arc generated during fuse melting is captured and converted into supply voltage for the control circuit, transforming what was previously wasted energy into a useful resource that powers the protection mechanism
2Reliability
If a pyrotechnic circuit breaker with control circuit is used, then the circuit breaking function is improved, but the production cost increases due to external power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by using the fuse's own operational energy to power the control circuit, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate external power sources, batteries, or complex power management systems, thereby reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
By recovering energy from the fuse melting process, the invention eliminates the need for separate power source components, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable circuit breaking functionality
3Extent of automation
If a fuse with low breaking voltage is used, then the control circuit can be powered by the fuse, but the power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the breaking voltage parameter of the fuse to be sufficiently low to power the control circuit yet high enough to minimize power losses. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve autonomous operation while maintaining energy efficiency
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 results in a cost-effective, compact, and autonomous protection device with low power losses and enhanced switching performance, capable of detecting faults and triggering the cutoff component without an external power source.
Implementation Method 1
a fuse is a dipole that uses the Joule effect of the electric current flowing through it to, in the event of an overcurrent, melt an electrical conductor which opens the electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
The invention also relates to a method for protecting such an electrical circuit, the method comprising, at least, in accordance with claim 8, steps of: a) melting of the fuse caused by a fault electric current and supply of the control circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a protection device for an electric circuit comprising at least one cut-off component (12) having a control area (16) suitable for receiving a trigger signal (S), and a power area (18) for the passage of the electric current. The device also comprises a control circuit (14) designed for generating and transmitting the trigger signal to the control area. The device further comprises a fuse (10) connected in series between a first conductor and the cut-off component (12) and capable of supplying a supply voltage (V) to the control circuit, the control circuit being connected between the fuse and the control area.