Leakage Current Protection Device with Parallel Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leakage current detection and protection devices for power cords lack effective automatic self-testing and often rely on user-initiated tests, which can lead to safety hazards if users fail to regularly test the devices, especially in cases of component failure or disability.
Innovation Solution
A power cord leakage current detection and protection device that incorporates a signal feedback line and an open-circuit detection circuit, allowing for automatic detection of shield line open-circuits and ensuring power disconnection when such conditions are detected, utilizing a solenoid assembly with parallel coils and a semiconductor assembly with parallel devices to enhance reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional leakage current detection devices are used without automatic self-testing, then device complexity is reduced, but safety reliability deteriorates due to lack of automatic fault detection
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic self-testing through the open-circuit detection circuit that continuously monitors the leakage current detection line without requiring user intervention. The system tests itself by detecting open-circuit conditions in the leakage current detection line and signal feedback line, enabling autonomous fault detection and maintaining safety reliability through self-diagnosis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal feedback line transmits test results from the open-circuit detection circuit back to the control logic, enabling the system to respond to detected faults by disconnecting the electrical connection. This feedback mechanism ensures that safety actions are automatically triggered when open-circuit conditions are detected, resolving the contradiction between added complexity and improved reliability.
2Ease of operation
If user-initiated testing is used, then device complexity is minimized, but safety deteriorates when users fail to test regularly or are disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs self-testing without requiring user operation. The open-circuit detection circuit continuously monitors the leakage current detection line and signal feedback line, eliminating the need for users to manually test the device and ensuring safety even when users are unable or forgetful to perform regular tests.
3Reliability
If solenoid assembly with parallel coils and semiconductor assembly with parallel devices are used, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid assembly is divided into multiple coils and the semiconductor assembly into multiple devices, with parallel connections providing functional redundancy. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operation even if one component fails, improving reliability while keeping each individual component simple and manufacturable.
4Reliability
If open-circuit detection circuit is added to automatically detect shield line open-circuit, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open-circuit detection circuit serves multiple functions: detecting open-circuits in the leakage current detection line, verifying signal feedback line integrity, and triggering safety disconnection. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive safety monitoring through a single integrated circuit rather than multiple separate systems.
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 device enables both manual and automatic detection of open-circuits, improving safety by ensuring power disconnection in case of faults, thereby enhancing the reliability of self-testing functions and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the solenoid assembly includes at least two coils with their current paths coupled in parallel
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor assembly includes at least two semiconductor devices with their current paths coupled in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
A power cord leakage current detection and protection device, including: a switch unit controlling an electrical connection between input and output ends of the device, a switch drive module, and a leakage current detection circuit which includes a leakage current detection line for detecting a leakage current on a power supply line. The switch drive module includes a semiconductor device assembly, and a solenoid assembly coupled between a power supply line and the semiconductor device assembly. The solenoid assembly includes multiple coils with their current paths coupled in parallel; the semiconductor device assembly includes multiple semiconductor devices with their current paths coupled in parallel. When at least one coil is not an open-circuit and at least one semiconductor device is not an open-circuit, the switch drive module controls the switch unit based on a leakage current signal detected by the leakage current detection circuit to disconnect the power supply.