RCD Trigger Circuit for Automatic Alarm Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively disconnect electrical supplies during alarms or fires, as users often neglect to manually switch off devices, leading to continued electrical contributions to fires even after detection, and there is a need for automated disconnection solutions for both safety and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an activation circuit generating an alarm signal, coupled with an RCD trigger circuit that simulates an earth leakage current to trip a Residual Current Device (RCD), ensuring automatic disconnection of sub-circuits, using a switching device like a solid state relay to minimize interference and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smoke or fire detectors are used to detect fires, then fire detection capability is improved, but automatic disconnection of electrical supply is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (RCD trigger circuit) that mediates between the smoke/fire detector and the electrical supply system. When the detector activates, it triggers the RCD circuit, which then automatically disconnects the electrical supply. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between detection and disconnection, enabling automatic action without requiring user intervention.
2Loss of energy
If users manually disconnect devices after alarm, then power consumption is reduced, but response time is delayed and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the RCD trigger circuit to automatically execute the disconnection action as soon as the alarm condition is detected. This eliminates the need for user response, ensuring the electrical supply is disconnected immediately and reliably without delay or human error.
3Reliability
If circuit protection devices like fuses are used, then short circuit protection is provided, but fire prevention is insufficient as fires may be self-sustaining by that stage
Solution Approach 1:
The RCD-triggered disconnection system performs preliminary protection by acting at the earlier stage of fire detection (smoke/heat detection) rather than waiting for short circuit conditions. This preliminary action prevents the fire from becoming self-sustaining, addressing the limitation of traditional fuse-based protection.
4Extent of automation
If RCD trigger circuit simulates earth leakage current, then automatic disconnection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RCD trigger circuit acts as a relatively simple intermediary component that leverages the existing RCD infrastructure. Rather than designing a complex new disconnection system, the patent uses the readily available RCD mechanism, which is already present in most electrical installations, thereby minimizing added complexity while achieving automatic disconnection.
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 enables automatic and safe disconnection of electrical supplies during alarms or fires, reducing the risk of self-sustaining fires and providing energy savings by selectively tripping RCDs, even when users are unaware or unable to manually disconnect devices.
Implementation Method 1
an RCD trigger circuit coupled to the activation circuit and a residual current device (RCD), configured to provide a simulated earth leakage current condition to trigger the RCD
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described herein, including an activation circuit configured to generate a signal indicative of an alarm condition. A residual current device trigger circuit is coupled to the activation circuit and a residual current device. The residual current device trigger circuit is configured to provide a simulated earth leakage current condition to trigger the residual current device on receiving the signal indicative of the alarm condition.