Remote Switch Actuator With Continuous MCCB Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems that remotely trip or close Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) do not provide continuous or real-time feedback, posing safety hazards as operators must visually inspect the system, exposing them to potential arc flash risks.
Innovation Solution
A remote switch actuator system with a sensor to detect the position of a push plate and a controller to display this position, allowing continuous feedback on the operation of the MCCB, ensuring safe remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If remote switching is implemented without continuous feedback, then operator safety is compromised requiring visual inspection, but adding feedback mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by positioning a sensor within the actuator housing to detect the position of the push plate along the actuation path. The controller receives this sensor data and displays the real-time position to the operator, eliminating the need for visual inspection and ensuring operator safety while managing device complexity through integrated feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback system consisting of a sensor and controller that mediates between the physical actuation mechanism and the operator. The sensor acts as an intermediary to detect push plate position, while the controller serves as an intermediary to process and display this information, allowing remote operation without direct visual inspection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If visual inspection is required to verify MCCB operation, then operator safety is compromised, but implementing remote monitoring increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by positioning a sensor within the actuator housing to detect the position of the push plate along the actuation path. The controller receives this sensor data and displays the real-time position to the operator, eliminating the need for visual inspection and ensuring operator safety while managing device complexity through integrated feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electronic sensing and display system. Instead of requiring the operator to physically observe the MCCB operation, the system uses a sensor to detect position and an electronic display to show status, substituting mechanical observation with electronic monitoring to reduce arc flash exposure.
3Reliability
If real-time position feedback is provided, then operational reliability is improved, but measurement and detection requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by positioning a sensor within the actuator housing to detect the position of the push plate along the actuation path. The controller receives this sensor data and displays the real-time position to the operator, eliminating the need for visual inspection and ensuring operator safety while managing device complexity through integrated feedback mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote switch actuator includes an actuator housing having a push plate coupled to a pair of actuator pins, the push plate having a first state where the push plate is disposed about an end of an actuation path and a second state where the push plate is disposed about an opposed end of the actuation path. The remote switch actuator may further include at least one sensor positioned within the actuator housing and configured to continuously detect the position of the push plate along the actuation path. The remote switch actuator may further include a switch controller communicatively coupled to the actuator housing and the at least one sensor and having a user interface configured to display the position of the push plate sensed by the at least one sensor.