Motor Control Device Solid State Circuit Breaker Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric motor systems are costly and complex due to the addition of circuit breakers or fuses for circuit protection, which increases overall system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A combination motor control device that integrates a semiconductor switching and interruption circuit with a control circuit to sense voltage and current, detect faults, and control power flow, providing both motor starter and motor controller functionality without the need for external circuit breakers or fuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit breakers or fuses are added to provide circuit protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker protection function with the motor controller into a single integrated device. The motor controller includes a control circuit that monitors motor operating parameters and a switching circuit that can interrupt power flow, merging previously separate protection and control functions into one unified system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation (starter function) and simultaneously provides circuit protection (circuit breaker function). The control circuit monitors various parameters including current, voltage, and motor state, enabling the same device to both control and protect the motor circuit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection devices.
2Reliability
If circuit breakers or fuses are added to provide circuit protection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the circuit protection function into the motor controller, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate circuit breaker or fuse components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the bill of materials, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the required circuit protection capability through the controller's monitoring and switching functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both motor control and circuit protection. This universality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system cost by eliminating redundant functionality and reducing the number of components that need to be sourced, manufactured, and assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination motor control device includes a power circuit structured to sense voltage and/or current flowing through the combination motor control device, a semiconductor switching and interruption circuit including a number of solid state transistors and being operable to turn on to allow power to flow through the combination motor control device and to turn off to stop allowing power to flow through the combination motor control device, and a control circuit structured detect faults in power flowing through the combination motor control device based on the sensed voltage and/or current, to control the semiconductor switching and interruption circuit to provide a motor starter and/or motor controller functionality, and to control the semiconductor switching and interruption circuit to turn off in response to detecting a fault in power flowing through the combination motor control device.