Solid-State Circuit Breaker Pre-Triggering for Arc-Free Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state circuit breakers face challenges in ensuring no arc generation during manual operation and preventing reverse connection or large current surges, requiring advanced recognition and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state circuit breaker with a handle that triggers microswitches to generate signals before mechanical operations, allowing for timely recognition of opening and closing operations and enabling electronic control of semiconductor elements to prevent arcs and detect reverse connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact assembly is separated manually to ensure circuit isolation, then mechanical isolation is achieved, but arc generation occurs and the semiconductor component is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the microswitch before the contact assembly separates. This early triggering allows the semiconductor component to turn off the circuit before the mechanical separation occurs, ensuring that no arc is generated when the contacts separate. The microswitch is positioned to actuate during the opening motion of the handle, providing advance warning to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical switching system with an electronic control system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical contact separation for circuit isolation, the system uses a microswitch to trigger electronic control of the semiconductor component (IGBT/MOSFET), which then interrupts the current flow electronically before mechanical separation occurs, eliminating arc generation.
2Reliability
If the contact assembly contacts manually to close the circuit, then mechanical connection is achieved, but reverse connection or large current surge occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the microswitch before the contact assembly contacts during closing operation. This early triggering allows the control system to detect the closing motion in advance, check for reverse connection or other abnormalities, and prepare protective measures before the contacts make connection, preventing damage from reverse connection or current surge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the microswitch to provide advance information about the closing operation to the control system. The control system receives this feedback signal and can then monitor the circuit conditions, detect reverse connection, and control the semiconductor component to prevent abnormal current flow before the mechanical contact occurs.
3Reliability
If the microswitch is triggered early to provide reaction time for electronic control, then arc prevention is achieved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the switching function into two independent parts: a mechanical contact assembly for circuit isolation and a semiconductor component with microswitch for electronic control. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the mechanical contacts provide physical isolation while the semiconductor component with early-triggered microswitch prevents arc generation through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the microswitch as an intermediary element that bridges the mechanical operation and electronic control system. The microswitch converts the mechanical motion of the handle into an electrical signal that triggers the semiconductor component, providing the necessary reaction time for electronic control without requiring direct mechanical-electronic coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solid-state circuit breaker, which includes: a housing; a contact assembly; a semiconductor element, connected in series with the contact assembly; a handle; a first microswitch, capable of being triggered to generate a first signal; a second microswitch, capable of being triggered to generate a second signal; a first trigger part, coupled to the handle to move the handle; and a second trigger part, coupled to the handle to move with the handle, wherein, during a movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position, before the contact assembly is switched to the open state, the first microswitch generates the first signal, during a movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position, before the contact assembly is switched to the closed state, the second microswitch generates the second signal.