Patent ID: 10418163

Abstract:
A device with a combined unbalanced current sensor and solenoid coil is provided. The device includes a core (116). The core (116) comprises a ferromagnetic material. The core (116) substantially surrounds a first conductor (102) and a second conductor (104) that conduct power to and from a load (106). The device includes a coil (118) that is wrapped around at least a portion of the core (116), such that an unbalanced current between the first and second conductors (102, 104) creates a first magnetic field that induces a first voltage on the coil (118). The coil (118) is positioned adjacent to a mechanical action part (124), such that application of a second voltage to the coil (118) creates a second magnetic field that influences the mechanical action part (124) to move from a first position to a second position that electrically disconnects the load (106) from a power source, such that the coil (118) serves as both an unbalanced current sensor coil and a solenoid coil.