MEMS Switch Array for Circuit Breaker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical distribution systems require dedicated sensing devices and mechanical switch devices at each circuit breaker to independently sense and respond to overcurrent, short circuit, and fault conditions, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electrical load center utilizing micro electro-mechanical switch (MEMS) devices with a MEMS control board that selectively controls Hybrid Arcless Limiting Technology (HALT) boards and circuit breaker devices, reducing the need for dedicated sensing devices by using MEMS devices to manage current and voltage, and minimizing inductive voltage drops through optimized MEMS switch array and diode bridge configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated current sensing devices, thermal sensing devices, control devices, and mechanical switch devices are included at each circuit breaker to independently sense and respond to overcurrent conditions, then circuit breaker reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated devices (current sensing, thermal sensing, control, and mechanical switching) into a single integrated circuit breaker unit. The control device receives inputs from both current and thermal sensing devices and coordinates their operations through a unified control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate independent response systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both current-based overcurrent detection and thermal-based overload detection. It universally manages different sensing inputs and coordinates the mechanical switch operation for both short circuit and overload conditions, reducing the need for separate dedicated control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If dedicated current sensing devices, thermal sensing devices, control devices, and mechanical switch devices are included at each circuit breaker, then protection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expensive dedicated components into a single integrated circuit breaker design. By merging current sensing, thermal sensing, control logic, and mechanical switching into one unit, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced compared to assembling separate independent devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple protection functions (both short circuit and overload protection) through a single multi-functional unit. This universality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.
3Device complexity
If MEMS devices are used for centralized control to simplify circuit breaker operation and reduce size, then device size and cost are reduced, but the need for dedicated sensing devices may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the sensing devices and MEMS switches. It receives processed signals from the sensing devices and translates them into appropriate control signals for the MEMS switches, ensuring reliable operation while enabling miniaturization through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch devices with MEMS (micro electro-mechanical) switches. These MEMS devices provide the same switching function but in a miniaturized form, reducing overall device size while maintaining reliability through precise electro-mechanical control.
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
This solution simplifies circuit breaker operation, reduces size and cost, and effectively protects against overcurrent, short circuits, and faults by integrating MEMS technology for centralized control, while maintaining low impedance paths and minimizing voltage spikes.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing inductive voltage drops through optimized MEMS switch array and diode bridge configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical distribution system (40) includes at least one circuit breaker device having an electrical interruption system provided with an electrical pathway, at least one micro electro-mechanical switch (MEMS) device electrically coupled in the electrical pathway, at least one hybrid arcless limiting technology (HALT) connection, and at least one control connection. A HALT circuit (190) member is electrically coupled to HALT connection on the circuit breaker device and a controller is electrically coupled to the control connection on the circuit breaker device. The controller is configured and disposed to selectively connect the HALT circuit (190) member and the at least one circuit breaker device via the HALT connection to control electrical current flow through the at least one circuit breaker device.