Remote-Control Circuit Breaker With Integrated Fault Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit breakers require manual on-site operation for switching between closed and open states, leading to high maintenance costs and inconvenience, especially in remote locations or scenarios with periodic power needs, and lack efficient remote control and fault detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker design incorporating a control apparatus that allows remote control of the contactor mechanism for switching the power supply line and power receiving line, along with integrated current signal collection and protection mechanisms for automatic fault detection and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual on-site operation is used for switching circuit breaker states, then the circuit breaker can be controlled to switch between closed and open states, but maintenance costs increase and worker intensity increases especially in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switch operation with an electromagnetic coil-driven contactor mechanism. The control apparatus sends electrical signals to the electromagnetic coil, which actuates the contactor to switch the circuit breaker state remotely, eliminating the need for manual on-site mechanical operation and reducing worker intensity especially in remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control apparatus as an intermediary between the operator and the circuit breaker. The control apparatus communicates with the contactor mechanism through electrical signals, enabling remote control functionality while isolating the operator from direct mechanical interaction with the circuit breaker, thus reducing maintenance complexity and operational risks
2Reliability
If integrated current signal collection mechanism is added for automatic fault detection, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current signal collection mechanism with the existing circuit breaker structure. The current signal collection mechanism is integrated into the housing and electrically connected to the contacts, allowing fault detection functionality to be incorporated without requiring separate standalone detection devices, thus improving reliability while controlling the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus serves multiple functions: it controls the contactor mechanism for remote switching, collects current signals through the integrated collection mechanism, detects faults, and manages energy conservation operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Productivity
If remote control of contactor mechanism is implemented, then worker intensity and maintenance costs are reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. The control apparatus uses electrical signals to actuate the electromagnetic coil and contactor mechanism, enabling remote control functionality that reduces worker intensity and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for personnel to physically travel to remote locations for routine operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus automatically monitors circuit status through the current signal collection mechanism and can autonomously detect faults and trigger protective actions. This self-service capability reduces the need for continuous manual monitoring and intervention, thereby improving maintenance efficiency while the automated nature of the system helps manage control complexity through intelligent algorithms rather than mechanical complexity
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
Enables remote switching and fault detection, reducing worker intensity and maintenance costs, and facilitating energy conservation by allowing timely state changes based on demand, especially in remote or low-demand scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a short-circuit protection mechanism including an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, a shaft, an armature spring, and an armature... when a short circuit fault occurs... the electromagnetic force attracts the armature to rotate around the shaft
Implementation Method 2
an overload protection mechanism made of a bimetallic strip... when an overload fault occurs... the bimetallic strip bends, so that the hinge point slides along the second sliding slot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This application discloses a circuit breaker and a power distribution box, and relates to the field of communication device technologies. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a control apparatus, and a current signal collection mechanism, an operating mechanism, and a contactor mechanism that are disposed in the housing. The current signal collection mechanism has a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact that are electrically connected. The operating mechanism has a rotating part and a first moving contact. The first moving contact is electrically connected to a first electrode cable inlet port of the circuit breaker. Rotating the rotating part may make a circuit between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact connected/disconnected. A first electrode cable outlet port of the circuit breaker is electrically connected to a second moving contact, and a second electrode cable outlet port is electrically connected to a second electrode cable inlet port of the circuit breaker. The control apparatus is configured to control the contactor mechanism to drive the second moving contact to move, to make a circuit between the second moving contact and a second fixed contact connected/disconnected. The control apparatus controls movement of the contactor mechanism, to make the circuit between the second moving contact and the second fixed contact connected/disconnected, so as to remotely control the circuit breaker.