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By Design News Staff -- Design News, April 26, 2004
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Programmable Protection: The smart circuit breaker's variable linear analog output voltage, from 0 to5V, is proportional to the current flowing through the device. This voltage signal allows for remote monitoring and control using a PLC or similar device. |
SMART BREAKER TAILORS ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT PROTECTION
The E-T-A smart circuit breaker E-1048-800 combines solid-state switching, circuit protection, analog output, and diagnostics in a single device that replaces separate relay and circuit-protection devices.
Key element is the programmable trip point possible with the device allowing a single part to be used in different applications and cutting inventory costs. To do this, the 0-5V dc analog output, proportional to the current flowing through the device, can be linked by wire, fiber optics, Internet, or bus systems to a PLC or ASIC microcontroller. This permits the signal to be programmed for intelligent relay control and furnish diagnostics. Unlike conventional circuit breakers where the trip point is defined as a range, the controller allows precise definition as well as remote setup, at any current rating from 0 to 20A. The solid state device also limits the maximum short circuit current to 50A and a precise time delay prevents nuisance tripping due to inrush currents to solenoids and motor loads.
In addition to LED indicators on board the device, a transistor output can input alarms to the control system to remotely alert operators to overloads, no load, or broken circuits.
Applications include switching dc loads in automotive, railroad, and automation systems, and for low voltage dc or multiplex control systems used in maritime and other vehicles.
Contact:Kenneth Cybart, E-T-A Circuit Breakers Tel (847) 827-7600;ken.cybart@e-t-a.comhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3848-500
STICK-ON SWITCH EASES ASSEMBLY
These individual Peel-and-Place PushGate Island tactile switch modules are simply attached using adhesive to a flex circuit or printed circuit board. This assembly method eliminates having to wire or solder pushbutton-type switches to the substrate, cutting cost.
The user can mount various actuators, such as plastic, metal, or elastomeric caps or plungers, on top of the island seal. When pressed, the actuator pushes down on the armature crown protruding through the magnet layer of the switch (see figure). This pressure breaks the attractive force of the magnet on the armature, which moves down to make contacts on the substrate below. Once pressure is removed, the magnet attracts the armature upward, breaking contact. Because no parts bend or flex, switch lifetimes are a minimum of 20 million actuations. For clean applications, the Tedlar seal on top of the switch stack that keeps out dust and moisture can be eliminated.
By using such prefab, stick-on switches, users eliminate tooling costs associated with mechanically mounting switches, according to Tom Kuhn, VP of business development. Applications include triggers for devices such as barcode readers and beverage dispensing machines.
Contact:Tim Kuhn, Duraswitch Tel (480) 586-3300; tkuhn@duraswitch.comhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3848-501
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Simple Motion: With just up-and-down motion of the armature, there is not bending or flexing of any parts in teh Peel-and-Place switch, which would cause wear and shorten lifetime. |
ONE-PIECE PULLEY BOOSTS BELT AND BEARING LIFE
This idler pulley for outdoor power equipment is spin-formed from a single-piece steel blank. The cold forming process increases surface hardness and strength.
Conventional pulleys are usually made up of two stamped metal halves. When assembled they "sandwich" a bearing in between before welding or riveting secures the halves. Due to variances in the stampings or positioning of the bearing, such trapping may not align the bearing axis precisely with that of the pulley. With the one-piece pulley, the bearing can be press fit per standard bearing practice for increased retention and balance, reduced runout, and greater strength, and thus longer lifetime. And without a seam between halves, the groove in the one-piece pulley more precisely mates with the surface of either a flat or V-belt for more even contact, and therefore uniform wear across the belt and pulley.
Cost of the one-piece pulley is comparable to traditional pulleys, but with riveting or welding in assembling two halves eliminated, production time is reduced.
Contact:Brad Miller, Gill Industries Inc. Tel (616) 559-2782; Fax (616) 559-7655; bmiller@gill-industries.comhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3848-502
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Spin Up: By spin forming a single blank ot make a pulley, bearing mounting is more precise and secure compared to trapping the bearing between two stamped pulley halves. |
GRID SENSOR TAKES THE PRESSURE, HEAT
This capacitive-based Industrial Tactile Sensor (ITS) grid measures pressure profiles with sensitivity on the order of 0.01-0.001 pF. Keys are a "dielectric spring" matrix of RTV silicon molded into a proprietary pattern between a grid of electrodes on either side, as well as patented circuitry. This combination results in a full-scale dynamic range of 500:1 with fast response (upwards of 200 kHz) and high repeatability, according to David Ables, director of engineering. He also notes the sensor maintains its response over the long term and doesn't require frequent calibration. Data output is via USB 1.1 or a dc analog voltage signal.
The sensor is also Kapton® encapsulated allowing a wide temperature operating range from -100 to 400F. ITS mats come in sizes as large as 24 x 100 inches with up to 16,000 elements, 0.08-inch square in size, on centers as small as 0.3 inch. Mat thickness is 0.012 inches and pressures up to 500 psi can be measured.
Applications for the sensors include measuring human and tire footprints, caster pressure, assembly torque setups, pinch-roller calibrations, and mold pressures. ITS can also be used in robotics to provide feedback to enhance gripping.
Contact:Jae Son, Pressure Profile Systems Tel (310) 641-8100; info@pressureprofile.comhttp://rbi.ims.ca/3848-503
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Pressure Grid: The Industrial Tactile Sensor electrode elements measure the change in their capacitance to determine the pressure distribution across the sensor grid. |
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