Isolated Signal Coupling Device for High-Temperature Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement signal coupling devices with electrical isolation require auxiliary power supply circuits, making them incompatible with small-dimensional measurement processing circuits and consuming excessive power, especially in applications with high thermal stresses like electronic trip devices and circuit breakers.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with electrical isolation that uses electromagnetic induction and capacitive coupling for signal switching, eliminating the need for a power supply for the input signal processing part and operating effectively across large temperature ranges, employing signal transformers with primary and secondary windings and switching means controlled by electro-magnetic or capacitive coupling, and synchronized detection for output signal reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary power supply circuits are used to supply the input signal processing part, then the device can operate with signal amplification and modulation, but the device complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the auxiliary power supply circuit from the input signal processing part. The input signal processing part operates without its own dedicated power supply, eliminating the power supply circuit and reducing device complexity while maintaining signal processing capability through the transformer coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical isolation between circuits, transfers signals from the input side to the output side, and enables the input signal processing part to operate without a dedicated power supply. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits
2Reliability
If auxiliary power supply circuits are used to supply the input signal processing part, then the device can perform signal amplification and modulation, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the auxiliary power supply circuit from the input signal processing part, eliminating the source of power consumption. The input signal processing part operates without dedicated power supply, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining signal processing capability through transformer-based signal transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The input signal processing part operates autonomously without requiring external power supply connections. It utilizes the transformer coupling to receive and process signals, eliminating the need for separate power consumption sources and enabling operation in low-power applications
3Reliability
If opto-electronic components are used for signal switch control, then electrical isolation can be achieved, but the device becomes incompatible with high temperature applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces opto-electronic components with electromagnetic components (transformers and switches). The transformer provides electrical isolation through electromagnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings, while the switch control means use electromagnetic fields rather than light, enabling operation in high temperature environments where opto-electronic components fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the isolation mechanism from optical domain to electromagnetic domain. By using transformers with appropriate winding configurations and electromagnetic switching, the system achieves electrical isolation with temperature stability, as electromagnetic components maintain their characteristics over wider temperature ranges compared to opto-electronic components
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 enables efficient signal transfer with reduced power consumption and compatibility with high-temperature applications, eliminating the need for auxiliary power supplies and improving operational efficiency in measurement processing circuits.
Implementation Method 1
signal transfer means with electrical isolation receiving the input signal and supplying said output signal, comprising at least one signal transformer (14) having at least one primary winding to receive a primary signal representative of said input signal
Implementation Method 2
said control means of the switching means comprise coupling means by electro-magnetic induction and/or by capacitive connection
Implementation Method 3
said control means of the switching means comprise coupling means by electro-magnetic induction and/or by capacitive connection
Data Source
AI summary
The coupling device with electrical isolation comprises at least one input signal, an output of an output signal representative of said input signal, and signal transfer means with electrical isolation receiving the input signal and supplying said output signal. The transfer means comprise at least one signal transformer having at least one primary winding to receive a primary signal representative of said input signal, switching means to switch the input signal and supply the latter to said primary winding, and electrically isolated control means of the switching means comprising a control input receiving control signals during switching periods. The electrical switchgear unit comprises one such coupling device connected to measuring resistors and to a processing unit processing electrical protection functions.