Unified Voltage Sensing Layout for Molded Case Trip Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic trip devices for molded case circuit breakers have complex configurations due to different shaped voltage sensing components for each phase, leading to reduced productivity and increased assembly complexity and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A unified electronic trip device design featuring a single voltage sensing component for all phases, with a trip part case that includes accommodating portions, partition walls, and a unified voltage sensing conductor with consistent shape and size, allowing for common use and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different shaped voltage sensing components are used for each phase, then the voltage sensing function is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage sensing functionVSAvoidcomponent configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single unified voltage sensing component that can be used for all phases (L1, L2, L3) of the circuit breaker. This component has a standardized shape and structure that allows it to perform the same voltage sensing function across multiple phases, eliminating the need for different shaped components for each phase as mentioned in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements homogeneity by making the voltage sensing components identical in shape, size, and structure across all phases. The unified component design ensures that all voltage sensing elements are homogeneous, which simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while maintaining reliable voltage sensing functionality for each phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

2Reliability

If separate case for mounting voltage sensing parts is provided, then the voltage sensing structure is completed, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage sensing structureVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the voltage sensing components directly into the existing trip part case structure. The trip part case is designed to accommodate the unified voltage sensing components without requiring a separate dedicated case or housing. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall structure while ensuring proper mounting and electrical connections for voltage sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If different shaped voltage sensing components are used for each phase, then the voltage sensing function is achieved, but productivity and assembly performance are lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage sensing functionVSAvoidassembly performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified voltage sensing component design allows for universal application across all phases, enabling standardized manufacturing processes and assembly procedures. This universality improves productivity by allowing workers to use the same assembly techniques and tools for installing voltage sensing components on all phases, rather than dealing with different shaped components that require different assembly approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3751590B1Electronic trip device for molded case circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3751590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751590B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a trip device for a molded case circuit breaker and, more specifically, to an electronic trip device for a molded case circuit breaker. The electronic trip device for a molded case circuit breaker, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a trip part case having a plurality of phases; a trip part terminal provided at the rear surface part of the trip part case and provided for each phase; and a voltage sensing conductor coupled between the rear surface part and the trip part terminal and provided for each phase, wherein the voltage sensing conductor provided for each phase is formed to have the same shape and the same size.