Modular Solid-State Circuit Breaker Layout for Easy Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state circuit breakers have integrated mechanical breakpoints with inseparable components, making them inflexible for varying application requirements, maintenance, and component replacement difficult.

Innovation Solution

A modular layout for the mechanical breakpoint, comprising a housing, breaking, mechanism, and transmission modules, allowing independent installation and disassembly, enabling flexible switching between AC/DC applications and varying stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an integrated structure is used for the mechanical breakpoint (stationary contact, movable contact, operation handle directly installed in the same housing), then the structural strength and compactness are improved, but the adaptability to different application requirements (AC/DC, different numbers of stages) and the ease of maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different application requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical breakpoint is divided into separate modular units: breaking unit module (containing stationary and movable contacts), mechanism module (containing operation handle), and transmission module. These modules can be independently selected and assembled to match different application requirements (AC/DC, different numbers of stages), while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If an integrated structure is used for the mechanical breakpoint, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair and replacement of internal components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of maintenance and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The breaking unit module is designed as an independent replaceable unit containing the stationary contact, movable contact, and arc extinguishing grid. When maintenance is needed, only the breaking unit module needs to be removed and replaced, rather than disassembling the entire circuit breaker. This modular design significantly reduces maintenance time and complexity while keeping the overall device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular layout is adopted for the mechanical breakpoint (independent housing module, breaking unit module, mechanism module, transmission module), then the adaptability to different application requirements and ease of maintenance are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different application requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different combinations of breaking unit modules and mechanism modules. The standardized interfaces and connection methods allow the same housing module to support various configurations for AC/DC applications and different numbers of stages, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4495973B1Solid-state circuit breaker and method for installing it
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (CHINA) CO LTD
  • EP4495973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4495973B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4495973B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~8(g)

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a solid-state circuit breaker, a mechanical breakpoint of the solid-state circuit breaker adopts a modular layout, which includes: a housing module, forming a cavity for accommodating components of the solid-state circuit breaker; a breaking unit module, installed in the housing module and including a stationary contact fixed to the housing module and a movable contact being movable relative to the stationary contact to realize a connection and a disconnection of a circuit; a mechanism module, installed in the housing module and configured to drive an action of the breaking unit module; and a transmission module, configured to connect the mechanism module and the breaking unit module, so that a motion of a moving component in the mechanism module can be transmitted to the movable contact of the breaking unit module, wherein the housing module, the mechanism module, the breaking unit module and the transmission module are independent from each other and are able to be installed and disassembled from each other. The solid-state circuit breaker according to the present disclosure is modularized, the installation process is simple, the switching of different application requirements is facilitated, and the maintenance and replacement of internal components are more convenient.