Solid-State Circuit Breaker With Integrated Light Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state circuit breakers and traditional light switches lack the ability to provide a continuous range of power control, requiring separate dimming apparatuses and complex installations, and users must manually activate these devices for dimming.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state circuit breaker with integrated solid-state switching components, an air gap, and a controller that receives command signals to control the phase angle and duty cycle of the power output, allowing it to function as a dimmer switch by selectively turning on/off power at specific phases of the AC cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate dimming apparatus is installed in series with the lighting load, then dimming control is achieved, but the installation complexity increases and requires additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dimming control functionality with the circuit breaker by integrating solid-state switching components directly into the circuit breaker housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate dimming apparatus, reducing installation complexity while maintaining dimming control capability. The controller receives command signals and controls the solid-state switching components to regulate power delivery to lighting loads,实现 both protection and dimming functions in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker is designed to perform multiple functions: overcurrent protection and dimming control. The solid-state switching components can operate in different modes - providing full power for normal operation and reducing power for dimming. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both the circuit breaker and dimmer switch, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If traditional light switches with only two states are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide continuous range of power control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control by rapidly switching the solid-state components on and off at different duty cycles. This creates a continuous range of effective power delivery levels rather than fixed on/off states. The controller adjusts the switching parameters dynamically based on command signals, enabling seamless dimming while maintaining the simplicity of a single device interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state switching components are controlled to rapidly turn on and off for dimming, then continuous power control is achieved, but the risk of arcing and component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with solid-state switching components that have no moving parts. This substitution eliminates contact wear and arcing issues associated with mechanical switches. The solid-state components can switch rapidly and precisely under controller guidance, enabling continuous power control while maintaining high reliability and component protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state circuit breaker is provided. The solid-state circuit breaker includes a breaker housing, a line-in terminal, and a line-out terminal, and one or more solid-state switching components configured between the line-in terminal and the line-out terminal. The solid-state circuit breaker also includes an air gap disposed between the line-in terminal and the line-out terminal that is coupled in series with the one or more solid-state switching components to complete a current conducting path when closed. The solid-state circuit breaker further includes an air gap actuator to interact with the air gap driving mechanism, a transceiver, and a controller that controls the air gap actuator and the one or more solid-state switching components. The controller is configured to receive a command signal and to responsively control the one or more solid-state switching components based on the command signal.