Solid-State Circuit Breaker Pre-Triggering for Arc-Free Manual 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 electronic control of semiconductor elements and detection of reverse connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact assembly is separated manually, then mechanical isolation is achieved, but arc generation occurs and the semiconductor component cannot ensure safe breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the first microswitch before the contact assembly separates. This early trigger allows the control circuit to activate the semiconductor component (IGBT/MOSFET) to interrupt the circuit before mechanical separation occurs, preventing arc generation at the contact assembly while maintaining simple manual operation.
2Reliability
If the semiconductor component interrupts the circuit during manual opening, then no arc is generated, but the control system requires advance recognition of the opening operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by using a dedicated first microswitch specifically for detecting opening operations. This separate microswitch triggers the semiconductor component independently, simplifying the control logic while ensuring reliable arc-free breaking. The segmentation of detection and control functions reduces overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the contact assembly closes manually, then circuit connection is established, but reverse connection or large current surge may damage electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the second microswitch before the contact assembly closes. This early trigger enables the control circuit to detect the closing operation in advance, perform protective checks for reverse connection and current surge, and activate protection mechanisms before the mechanical closing occurs, preventing damage to electronic components.
4Reliability
If the electronic module is separated before the contact assembly during manual opening, then no arc is generated, but the timing coordination between mechanical and electronic operations becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action through the first microswitch to trigger the semiconductor component before the contact assembly separates. This ensures the electronic module interrupts the circuit first, preventing arc generation, while the simple microswitch mechanism maintains straightforward timing coordination without complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solid-state circuit breaker, which includes: a housing; a contact assembly, configured to switch between an open state and a closed state; a semiconductor element, connected in series with the contact assembly; a handle, configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a first microswitch, fixed to the housing and capable of being triggered to generate a first signal; a second microswitch, fixed to the housing and capable of being triggered to generate a second signal; a first trigger part, coupled to the handle to move with a movement of the handle; and a second trigger part, coupled to the handle to move with the movement of 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 trigger part triggers the first microswitch to generate 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 trigger part triggers the second microswitch to generate the second signal.