18071022. CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH ADVANCED HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS simplified abstract (Eaton Intelligent Power Limited)

CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH ADVANCED HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS

Organization Name

Eaton Intelligent Power Limited

Inventor(s)

Daniel A. Hosko of Pittsburgh PA (US)

John E. Downs of Hopedale OH (US)

Brian J. Schaltenbrand of Pittsburgh PA (US)

Paul Richard Rakus of Coraopolis PA (US)

CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH ADVANCED HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18071022 titled 'CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH ADVANCED HEALTH DIAGNOSTICS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a diagnostic system for monitoring a mechanical trip mechanism of a circuit interrupter, which provides advanced diagnostics to detect degradation of the trip mechanism early on.

• The diagnostic system monitors the time elapsed between the D-shaft beginning to move to its open position and the pole shaft reaching its open position during each opening operation.
• The system notifies the user when the performance of the trip mechanism has degraded to a concerning level, before it fails altogether, saving time and resources and preventing widespread damage.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various industries where circuit interrupters are used, such as electrical distribution systems, industrial machinery, and power generation facilities.

Problems Solved

1. Early detection of trip mechanism degradation. 2. Prevention of widespread damage due to trip mechanism failure.

Benefits

1. Cost savings by avoiding extensive repairs or replacements. 2. Increased safety by ensuring proper functioning of circuit interrupters. 3. Improved reliability of equipment and systems.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing maintenance schedules for circuit interrupters in industrial settings to prevent unexpected failures and downtime.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include diagnostic systems for monitoring mechanical components in other types of equipment, such as motors or pumps, to detect early signs of degradation.

What are the potential environmental impacts of this technology?

The technology can help prevent electrical malfunctions that could lead to equipment failures, reducing the need for replacement parts and minimizing waste in the long run.

How does this technology compare to existing diagnostic systems for circuit interrupters?

This technology stands out by specifically focusing on monitoring the mechanical trip mechanism of a circuit interrupter to detect degradation early on, ensuring optimal performance and preventing costly failures.

Original Abstract Submitted

A diagnostic system for monitoring a mechanical trip mechanism of a circuit interrupter provides advanced diagnostics. The trip mechanism comprises a D-shaft that is actuated by the trip unit, an operating mechanism that is actuated by the D-shaft, and a pole shaft that is actuated by the operating mechanism to physically separate the separable contacts. During every opening operation, the diagnostic system determines how much time elapses between the D-shaft beginning to move to its open position and the pole shaft reaching its open position, in order to detect degradation of the trip mechanism as early as possible. This ensures that suboptimal performance is detected even if the trip mechanism is meeting the minimum requirements for acceptable performance. A user is notified once the performance has degraded to a level that is considered concerning before the trip mechanism fails altogether, saving significant time and resources and preventing more widespread damage.