Schneider Electric Usa, Inc.

Skylar Frances Wetzel

Juan Ignacio Melecio Ramirez

Leonardo Rangel Martinez

Jeremy D Schroeder

Juan Ignacio Melecio

A circuit breaker assembly can include a mechanism configured to be actuated by an operator toward a first position. The mechanism can be configured to move between the first position and a second position to change a state of a contactor between a closed state and an open state. The assembly can include a position sensor system configured to sense a position of the mechanism between the first position and the second position.

Circuit breaker systems

A circuit breaker assembly can include a mechanism configured to be actuated by an operator. The mechanism can be configured to move between a first position and a second position to change a state of a contactor between a closed state and an open state. The circuit breaker assembly can include a reluctance sensor system operatively connected to the mechanism and configured to determine a position and/or a motion of the mechanism as a function of magnetic reluctance. The reluctance in the reluctance sensor system can change as a function of mechanism position.

Circuit breaker mechanism position sensor systems

A state of a tripping solenoid in a circuit breaker is determined by a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around a hollow body of a solenoid. The secondary coil is positioned within magnetic coupling distance from the primary coil and is configured to produce a sensing voltage based on the primary coil voltage. A ferromagnetic plunger positioned in the hollow body, is configured to slide axially to a tripped position to trip the circuit breaker when a trip voltage is applied to the primary coil. A plunger position detecting circuit connected to the secondary coil, is configured to detect the position of the plunger in the hollow body of the solenoid based on the sensing voltage. A reduction or absence of the sensing voltage indicates a faulty or broken connection in the primary coil.

Growing community of inventors

Cedar Rapids, IA, United States of America

Skylar Frances Wetzel