Switching Device With Magnetic Latching For Ground-Fault Interrupters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground-fault interrupters are bulky, complex, and expensive, with poor operability and reduced detection accuracy due to heat generation and the need for separate power supplies for leakage and excess voltage detection, leading to repetitive shutoff operations and increased standby power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact switching device with a yoke, permanent magnet, and biasing unit that allows easy ON operation and automatic OFF operation based on leakage or excess voltage detection, using a single power supply and integral control units for improved usability and detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ground-fault interrupters with standardized housings are used, then leakage and overcurrent detection functions are provided, but the device becomes large in size and difficult to dispose in electric apparatus housings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leakage detection function and excess voltage detection function into a single integrated device with a unified housing structure. The control circuit integrates both detection functions, and the single-pole switching mechanism controls both the neutral line and ground line simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate standardized housings for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed to perform multiple functions: leakage detection, excess voltage detection, and control of both neutral and ground lines through a single mechanism. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and housings.
2Measurement precision
If separate power supplies are used for leakage detector and excess voltage detector, then detection accuracy is maintained, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single power supply unit that provides power to both the leakage detector and excess voltage detector through the control circuit. This integrated power supply approach eliminates the need for separate power supplies, reducing standby power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy through proper power distribution to both detection functions.
3Extent of automation
If conventional open-close mechanism unit with trip coils is used, then automatic opening operation is achieved, but the handle cannot be lightly moved and operability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the permanent magnet can be easily moved by manual operation to switch between ON and OFF positions. The biasing unit provides automatic resetting functionality, creating a system that is both easy to operate manually and capable of automatic tripping through the coil when faults are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet acts as an intermediary between the manual operating handle and the switching mechanism. It can be easily moved by hand to change the switching state, while the biasing unit serves as another intermediary that automatically resets the magnet to its initial position after tripping, combining ease of operation with automatic protection.
4Reliability
If JIS standardized housing is used for ground-fault interrupter, then all necessary components are contained, but the structure becomes complicated and product becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the leakage detector, excess voltage detector, control circuit, and switching mechanism into a single compact housing structure. This unified design eliminates the need for multiple separate housings and reduces structural complexity while maintaining all necessary components for reliable operation.
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 provides enhanced operability, stability, and safety by automatically shutting off power during faults, reducing repetitive operations, and conserving energy while maintaining detection accuracy and preventing heat-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet that is movable between an ON position that is in contact with or in the vicinity of the yoke and an OFF position that is at a predetermined distance from the yoke
Implementation Method 2
a yoke around which a coil is wound
Implementation Method 3
a biasing unit that pushes the operating member toward the OFF position
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device is provided that includes a switching mechanism unit and a switch drive control circuit. In the switching device, an operating member is maintained in an ON position by the sucking force of a permanent magnet and a yoke, despite the pushing force of a biasing unit, when the permanent magnet is in an ON position. The yoke is magnetized in such a manner as to reduce the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, when a coil wound around the yoke is energized by the switch drive control unit. The operating member and a switching member are moved from the ON position to the OFF position by virtue of the pushing force of the biasing unit, thereby shutting a feed line.