Electric Switch Measuring Channel Self-Test Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches, particularly circuit breakers, lack reliable mechanisms for measuring electric variables and testing the operation of their measuring channels, leading to potential inaccuracies in tripping during overload situations.
Innovation Solution
The electric switch is equipped with a multi-channel measuring device, a tripping device, a reference channel, and a reference signal source, allowing for the testing of the measuring channel's operation by switching the electric measured variable to the reference channel and comparing results with a prespecified limit value, ensuring reliable tripping when the limit is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a measuring device is added to the electric switch to enable testing of measuring channels, then the reliability of measurement and tripping is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference signal source and reference channel into the existing measuring device structure. The reference channel is integrated alongside the measuring channels, sharing common components such as the measuring circuitry and processing unit. This merging approach enables testing functionality without adding completely separate systems, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can measure electric variables during normal operation and perform self-testing by switching to reference signals. The same measuring channels process both real measurement signals and reference test signals, allowing the device to be both a measurement instrument and a self-diagnostic system without requiring duplicate dedicated test equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a testing device with reference channel and reference signal source is integrated into the switch, then the measurement accuracy and tripping correctness are improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into distinct functional modules: measuring channels for detecting electric variables, a reference signal source for generating test signals, and a reference channel for processing reference signals. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately using standardized procedures, improving measurement precision while facilitating easier assembly and quality control during manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric switch is disclosed, in particular an electric circuit breaker. In at least one example embodiment, the switch includes a measuring channel for measuring an electric measured variable and is switched off when the result of a measurement reaches or exceeds a limit value. To test the mode of operation of the measuring channel, the electric measured variable is switched to a reference channel and a reference signal source is switched to the measuring channel and the reference result obtained via the measuring channel is compared with a reference setpoint. The switch is also tripped if, to test the mode of operation of the measuring channel, the electric measured variable is switched to the reference channel and the result obtained via the reference channel reaches or exceeds the limit value.