Resettable MEMS micro-switch array based on current limiting apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for over-current protection, the method comprising:
- monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices;
determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value;
generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value;
diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal;
opening the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the diverting; and
determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a method for over-current protection. The method comprising monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices, determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value, and generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value. The method also comprises diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal and determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for over-current protection, the method comprising:
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monitoring a load current value of a load current passing through a plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices; determining if the monitored load current value varies from a predetermined load current value; generating a fault signal in the event that the monitored load current value varies from the predetermined load current value; diverting the load current from the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the fault signal; opening the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to the diverting; and determining if the variance in the load current value was due to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An over-current protective device for electrical distribution systems, the device comprising:
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a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to receive input control commands, the user interface further comprising a terminal block and a disconnect switch, the terminal block being in communication with the disconnect switch; a logic circuit in communication with the user interface; a power stage circuit in communication with the logic circuit; a MEMS protection circuit in communication with the logic circuit and the power stage circuit; and a switching circuit in communication with the MEMS protection circuit, the switching circuit comprising a plurality of micro-electromechanical system switching devices;
wherein,the logic circuit is disposed to monitor a load current or load voltage, and in response to the monitored load current or load voltage varying from a predetermined value, the logic circuit is configured to generate and transmit a fault signal to the MEMS protection circuit and determine if the monitored current or voltage was in response to a true fault trip or a false nuisance trip; the MEMS protection circuit is disposed to divert a load current from micro-electromechanical system switching devices in response to the fault signal; and the switching circuit is configured to open the plurality of micro-electromechanical switching system devices in response to diversion of the load current by the MEMS protection circuit. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification