Optical Main Shaft Sensing in Vacuum Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of vacuum circuit breakers is compromised due to the short mechanical lifespan of rotary sensors, leading to deteriorated operation characteristics over time.
Innovation Solution
A motion sensing device is integrated into the vacuum circuit breaker, featuring a sensor module with a light-emitter and light-receiver pair or side-by-side arrangement, and a bracket to support the sensor module, which senses the motion state of the main shaft, allowing detection of operation abnormalities and performance deterioration through the identification of the movable contact's stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary sensor is used to measure the time duration for contact operation, then the operation characteristics can be measured, but the mechanical lifespan is very short compared to the vacuum circuit breaker itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary sensor with an optical sensing system consisting of a light emitter, light receiver, and main shaft with light-transmitting regions. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact wear while maintaining measurement precision for detecting contact operation time duration and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transmit motion information from the main shaft to the sensor without mechanical contact. The main shaft incorporates light-transmitting regions that modulate light passage based on rotational position, enabling non-contact detection of operational parameters.
2Measurement precision
If a rotary sensor is installed on the main shaft, then the time duration for contact operation can be measured, but the reliability deteriorates during long-term use due to sensor lifespan limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system replaces the mechanical rotary sensor, eliminating the mechanical components that limited reliability. The light-based detection method has no wear and can operate indefinitely, matching the long-term reliability requirements of vacuum circuit breakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The main shaft itself participates in the sensing mechanism by incorporating light-transmitting regions that automatically modulate light passage based on its rotational position, eliminating the need for separate mechanical sensing components that would require maintenance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a light-emitter and light-receiver pair is used to sense main shaft motion, then the mechanical lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main shaft serves dual functions: it transmits mechanical power from the mechanism assembly to the push rod assembly, and simultaneously acts as part of the sensing mechanism through its light-transmitting regions. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite adding optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing function with the existing main shaft structure by incorporating light-transmitting regions directly into it, rather than adding a separate sensing mechanism. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving the desired functionality.
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
The motion sensing device effectively detects the motion state of the main shaft, enabling the identification of operation abnormalities and performance deterioration, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the vacuum circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitter disposed on one of the pair of circuits and emitting light; and a light-receiver disposed on the other of the pair of circuits, and facing toward the light-emitter, and receiving light emitting from the light-emitter
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a motion sensing device for a vacuum circuit breaker and a vacuum circuit breaker comprising same. A motion sensing device for a vacuum circuit breaker, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a sensor module, installed adjacent to a main shaft, for sensing an operation state of the main shaft; and a bracket, coupled to the sensor module, for supporting the sensor module.