Synthesis of a Controllable Circuit Breaker Mechanism

Abstract

This paper addresses, for the first time, the synthesis, optimization, simulation and analysis of a controllable circuit breaker mechanism. Type synthesis is performed by finding the mechanisms conforming to topological requirements set forth in the problem definition and evaluating them to determine whether they satisfy the stated functional requirements. Dimensional synthesis is performed upon these mechanisms by designating the equality and inequality constraints, assigning the variable types, and then searching the specified design space to determine if any solutions exist. An optimization is performed on any mechanisms found to determine which of the mechanism configurations is optimal with respect to the specified criteria of desirability. Simulation and analysis is then performed on the optimal mechanism to verify that it meets all specified requirements and constraints. The result of this design is a controllable residential circuit breaker than can be used in a residential load management scheme.