Removable Current Sensor Module With Automatic Winding Short-Circuiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for measuring current intensity in medium or high voltage electrical networks do not ensure that sensor windings are short-circuited before the plug-in module is removed, leading to potential damage and overvoltages that can cause electrocution.

Innovation Solution

A system with a base and plug-in module that includes a mechanism to automatically short-circuit sensor windings when the module is removed, using a rotary shaft and rack-and-pinion mechanism actuated by an operating lever, ensuring the windings are always short-circuited to prevent overvoltages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the module is removed from the base without ensuring windings are short-circuited, then the module can be replaced or maintained, but the windings may be damaged and overvoltages may occur causing electrocution

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveModule replacementVSAvoidOvervoltage and electrocution risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically short-circuiting the sensor windings through switches actuated by the operating lever mechanism before the module is fully removed from the base. This ensures that the windings are protected from overvoltage damage before the operator completes the removal operation, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining ease of module replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanism is added to automatically short-circuit windings during module removal, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOvervoltage and electrocution riskVSAvoidSwitching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the module locking/unlocking function with the winding short-circuiting function into a single integrated mechanism. The operating lever that mechanically locks or unlocks the module in the base is coupled to actuate the switching mechanism, so that one operational element performs dual functions: securing the module during operation and protecting the windings during removal, thereby avoiding additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by using the operator's own module removal action to automatically trigger the winding short-circuiting protection. When the operator moves the operating lever to unlock and remove the module, the lever's movement automatically actuates the switches to close and short-circuit the windings, without requiring separate manual intervention or additional control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively prevents damage to windings and overvoltages, ensuring operator safety by ensuring the windings are short-circuited during module removal, thus preventing electrocution and maintaining system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a mechanism for actuating the switches to open or close them, an operating lever equipping the module being able to lock the module in the base, this operating lever coupling with the mechanism for actuating the switches

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical short-circuit: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3116005B1Removable module supported by a base for measuring current over an electrical network
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3116005B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3116005B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3116005B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a detachable module (2) and a corresponding base (3) for electrical connection to at least one sensor equipping a power transmission line to measure the current carried by that line, each sensor comprising a winding. The module (2) includes, for each sensor, a measuring transformer connected via the base (3) to the corresponding sensor winding, and the base (3) includes, for each sensor, a switch for short-circuiting each sensor winding in the event of the module (2) being removed. The module is equipped with a lever (28) movable between a first position of mechanical locking of the module (2) in the base (3) and opening of each switch, and a second position of closing the switches and unlocking the module (2) from the base (3).