Universal Trip Device Modular Neutral Extension

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic trip devices for multipolar electrical line protection devices require multiple specific structure formats and references based on the number of poles and neutral positioning, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A universal electronic trip device structure featuring a three-pole block configuration that can be adapted to both three-pole and four-pole devices by adding a single-pole extension in front of or behind the measurement and processing blocks, allowing for neutral positioning on either side, thus reducing the number of required references and manufacturing variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific structure formats are used for trip devices based on pole count and neutral positioning, then compatibility with different device configurations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing references increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different device configurationsVSAvoidnumber of structure formats and references

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trip device employs a universal base structure that can serve multiple configurations (three-pole and four-pole with neutral on either side) through optional extension modules. The base structure includes a processing unit and measurement unit that remain constant, while neutral measurement extensions can be added as needed, allowing one trip device design to accommodate multiple device formats without requiring separate structure formats for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trip device is divided into modular components: a mandatory base structure containing the processing unit and measurement unit, and optional extension modules for neutral measurement. This segmentation allows the core functionality to remain standardized while enabling configuration-specific additions, reducing the need for multiple complete structure formats and minimizing manufacturing references.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific structure formats are used for trip devices based on pole count and neutral positioning, then compatibility with different device configurations is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different device configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trip device employs a universal base structure that can serve multiple configurations (three-pole and four-pole with neutral on either side) through optional extension modules. The base structure includes a processing unit and measurement unit that remain constant, while neutral measurement extensions can be added as needed, allowing one trip device design to accommodate multiple device formats without requiring separate structure formats for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trip device is divided into modular components: a mandatory base structure containing the processing unit and measurement unit, and optional extension modules for neutral measurement. This segmentation allows the core functionality to remain standardized while enabling configuration-specific additions, reducing the need for multiple complete structure formats and minimizing manufacturing references.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If neutral positioning is fixed in the trip device structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different neutral positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different neutral positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trip device structure is made dynamically configurable through optional extension modules that can be added or removed based on the required neutral position. The base structure remains fixed and simple for manufacturing, while the extendable neutral measurement modules provide the necessary adaptability. This allows the same base design to be manufactured once and then configured for different neutral positions through modular additions rather than requiring multiple fixed structure formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3300529B1Electronic tripping device for an electrical line protection apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.04.17 HAGER ELECTRO SAS

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AI summary

Electronic tripping device for an electrical, multipole line protection apparatus, of the circuit-breaker type, comprising a current measurement unit (1) and an electrical current measurement processing unit (2). Each of said units (1, 2) extends substantially along a reference direction (X). This tripping device is characterised in that said measurement unit (1) and processing unit (2) consist of interconnected three-pole units, and in that it comprises means for adding a neutral line in front of or behind said measurement unit (1) and processing unit (2) according to the reference direction (X).