Vacuum Circuit Breaker Magnetic Contact Locking for Overcurrent Trip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum interrupter circuit breakers are complex and costly to manufacture, with a need for a simpler and more reliable mechanism to manage electrical current flow and interruption efficiently, particularly in high-current scenarios like railway electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum circuit breaker design utilizing a permanent magnet locking system to retain contacts in the closed position, combined with an electromagnet unlocking mechanism to allow opening when current exceeds a threshold, facilitated by a spring return system and a control system with current sensors for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking system is used to retain contacts in closed position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a magnetic field-based locking mechanism. A permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that holds the movable contact in the closed position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lock components. This substitution maintains reliable contact retention while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction) to control contact state. By adjusting the magnetic field parameters through the permanent magnet and electromagnet, the system achieves reliable contact locking and unlocking without mechanical complexity. The magnetic field parameters are changed to either hold contacts closed or release them for opening.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnet unlocking system is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical unlocking mechanisms with an electromagnet-based unlocking system. The electromagnet can be controlled electrically to generate a magnetic field that opposes the permanent magnet's holding force, enabling easy and rapid unlocking of the contacts. This electrical control method improves ease of operation while keeping the physical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking system is integrated with the circuit breaker's control circuitry, allowing it to automatically unlock and open contacts when overcurrent conditions are detected. The system serves itself by using the same electrical control infrastructure to both operate and protect the circuit breaker, minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a permanent magnet locking system is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision mechanical locking components with permanent magnets that can be manufactured and positioned using standard magnetic assembly techniques. The magnets can be secured using simple mounting methods (adhesives, retainers, or direct embedding) rather than requiring precision-machined mechanical interfaces, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining sufficient holding force through magnetic field strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves reliable and efficient current interruption with fewer moving parts, simplifying manufacturing and operation while ensuring safe and effective protection against overcurrents, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of electrical circuit protection.
Implementation Method 1
a locking system using at least one permanent magnet to retain the second contact in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical locking system being unlockable using an electromagnet unlocking system to release the second electrical contact
Implementation Method 3
a spring arranged to move electrical contacts from an open position to a closed position and a spring arranged to retain the electrical contacts in the open position
Data Source
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AI summary
The circuit breaker includes a vacuum switch (4) comprising a first electrical contact (14) and a second electrical contact (16) movable relative to the first electrical contact (14) between a closed position, in which the second electrical contact (16) is in contact with the first electrical contact (14) to allow the passage of current, and an open position in which the second electrical contact (16) is spaced from the first electrical contact (14) to interrupt the passage of current, and an interlocking system (8) comprising at least one permanent magnet (42) arranged to generate a magnetic force opposing the movement of the second electrical contact (16) from the closed position to the open position.