Blown Fuse Indication System Using Non-Contact Magnetic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blown fuse indication systems in transformers face difficulties in replacing micro switches and create galvanic contact paths close to live components, making them challenging to maintain and potentially hazardous.

Innovation Solution

An electrical assembly with a blown fuse indication system that generates an indication signal through relative movement between a first indication member and a second indication member, using a connection mechanism that eliminates the need for galvanic contact paths, featuring a striker pin, actuator mechanism, push bar mechanism, and a sensor device with a proximity sensor, all insulated from live components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If micro switches are used in the blown fuse indication system, then the indication function is achieved, but the replacement difficulty increases and galvanic contact paths are created near live components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblown fuse detection reliabilityVSAvoidmicro switch replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical micro switches with a non-contact sensing system using magnetic fields. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnetic element without physical contact or galvanic connection, eliminating the need for replaceable mechanical components while maintaining reliable indication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the striker pin and the sensing system. The magnetic element attached to the striker pin interacts with the magnetic sensor through magnetic field coupling, enabling signal transmission without direct electrical contact, thus avoiding galvanic contact paths near live components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If wires are used to transfer indication signals from micro switches, then signal transmission is achieved, but galvanic contact paths are created close to live components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication signal transmissionVSAvoidgalvanic contact hazard near live components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical wire-based signal transmission with a non-contact magnetic sensing system. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic element's position and generates indication signals without requiring physical wire connections, thereby eliminating galvanic contact paths near live components while maintaining signal transmission integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between the striker pin mechanism and the external indication system. This allows the indication signal to be transmitted without direct electrical contact, removing the hazard of galvanic contact paths close to live components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If micro switches and wires are used in the indication system, then blown fuse detection is achieved, but the system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblown fuse indication reliabilityVSAvoidindication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electrical system of micro switches and wires with a simpler non-contact magnetic sensing system. This reduces the number of components requiring assembly, installation, and maintenance while maintaining reliable blown fuse detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the problematic micro switches and wire connections from the indication system, retaining only the essential detection function through a simplified magnetic sensing mechanism. This eliminates the complexity associated with mechanical components and electrical connections near live parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables safe and easy maintenance by eliminating the need for galvanic contact paths near live components, allowing for reliable blown fuse detection without physical contact, thus enhancing safety and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device with a proximity sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11587756B2Electrical assembly comprising blown fuse indication system

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical assembly comprising a housing forming a liquid tank inside thereof, dielectric liquid in the liquid tank, at least one fuse, and a blown fuse indication system. Each of the fuses is immersed in the dielectric liquid, and is provided with a striker pin. The blown fuse indication system is adapted to indicate a blowout of any one of the fuses by an indication signal. The blown fuse indication system comprises a first indication member and a second indication member. The first indication member is movable by the striker pins. The second indication member is immovably connected to the housing, and adapted to generate the indication signal as a response to relative movement between the first indication member and the second indication member.