High-Power GFCI Plug With Permanent-Magnet Contact Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power GFCI plugs have complex structures and require continuous energization or locking mechanisms for electromagnetic resets, making them less reliable and efficient.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent GFCI plug design incorporating a leakage detection device, a driving device with a coil and driving rod, and a permanent magnet assembly, where the driving rod is magnetically maintained in contact with the stationary contact after energization, allowing for simple and reliable operation without continuous energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic reset is employed with continuous energization or locking structure, then tripping and power failure are realized, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the permanent magnet from the complex electromagnetic locking system, using it as a standalone component to maintain the driving rod in the reset position. This eliminates the need for continuous energization or complex locking structures while maintaining tripping reliability through the simple magnetic retention mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic coil is continuously energized to maintain locking, then reset function is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous energization, the patent uses periodic action only when needed - the coil is energized briefly to release the permanent magnet's holding force during tripping, and otherwise relies on the permanent magnet to maintain the reset position without energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet assembly serves itself to maintain the driving rod in the reset position through its inherent magnetic field, eliminating the need for continuous external energy input. The system uses the permanent magnet's own magnetic properties to perform the holding function.
3Reliability
If mechanical or electromagnetic reset is employed, then circuit disconnection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the permanent magnet assembly with the driving rod structure, where the permanent magnet is positioned to directly interact with the driving rod. This integration simplifies the reset mechanism by combining the holding function into the existing driving components rather than adding separate complex locking mechanisms.
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 plug ensures reliable and efficient disconnection of circuits upon leakage detection, maintaining contact without continuous energization, simplifying the structure and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the permanent magnet assembly and the driving rod are magnetically attracted and maintained
Implementation Method 2
a current is input the coil, and the driving rod is driven to act
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an intelligent high-power ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug. The plug includes a leakage detection device, a driving device and a printed circuit board (PCB), where when the leakage detection device detects leakage, the driving device acts to disconnect a circuit. The driving device includes a coil and a driving rod, a current is input the coil, and the driving rod is driven to act, such that a moving contact is in communication with or disconnected from a stationary contact. A permanent magnet assembly is further included. Due to the position of the permanent magnet assembly, when the moving contact is in communication with the stationary contact, the permanent magnet assembly and the driving rod are magnetically attracted and maintained.