Overcurrent Switching Device Using Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overcurrent switching devices using shape memory alloys (MSM) require substantial hardware and circuit setup, are not universally usable, and exhibit slow response times due to inductive delays, making them inefficient for rapid current increases and short-circuit situations.
Innovation Solution
An overcurrent switching device utilizing a magnetic shape memory alloy expansion unit that interacts with a coil-free conductor section, generating a magnetic field upon reaching a current threshold, allowing for simplified design and faster response times without the need for individual coil configurations, and incorporating permanent magnets and mechanical elements for adjustable current thresholds and rapid switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a coil is used to generate magnetic field for MSM element actuation, then the magnetic field can be created, but the response time is delayed due to inductive effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coil component from the system and replaces it with a coil-free conductor section. The conductor section directly generates the magnetic field through current flow without the inductive delays inherent in coils, thereby achieving rapid response in short-circuit situations while maintaining the necessary magnetic field strength for MSM element actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual coil configurations are used for each application, then the current threshold can be precisely controlled, but the hardware outlay and device complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal overcurrent protection device by eliminating the application-specific coil configuration requirement. The coil-free conductor section can be integrated into any electric circuit without requiring custom winding designs, making the device universally applicable while maintaining precise current threshold control through the magnetic interaction with the MSM element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conductor section directly with the circuit being protected, eliminating the need for separate coil assemblies. This integration reduces hardware outlay by combining the magnetic field generation function with the existing circuit infrastructure, while the MSM element provides the necessary switching functionality.
3Reliability
If a coil/MSM element combination is used, then overcurrent protection functionality is achieved, but the hardware outlay and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coil component from the traditional coil/MSM combination and replaces it with a coil-free conductor section. This extraction eliminates the associated hardware complexity and setup requirements while preserving the essential overcurrent protection functionality through direct magnetic field generation from the conductor current.
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 a simpler, more versatile, and dynamically responsive overcurrent protection system with reduced hardware requirements and faster switching times, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional MSM-based devices.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion unit (50) constructed from a magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloy material... a magnetic field is built up when the current threshold is reached or exceeded, which leads to an expansion movement of the expansion unit
Data Source
AI summary
An overcurrent switching device for an electric circuit to be monitored, which has interrupter contact means (14) constructed in such a manner that an interruption of the electric circuit is effected as a reaction to the exceeding of a predetermined current threshold, wherein the interrupter contact means have an expansion unit (16) realized by means of a magnetically active shape memory alloy material, which is loaded by a magnetic field (18) of a current flowing in the electric circuit, characterized in that the expansion unit (16; 30; 32; 34) mechanically driving a contact, particularly an interrupter contact (14), is provided adjacently to a coil-free current-carrying conductor section (10) of the electric circuit for magnetic interaction in such a manner that above the predetermined current threshold, a current flow in the current carrying conductor section generates a magnetic field which effects an expansion movement of the expansion unit which interrupts the electric circuit.