Apparatus and method for module retention in a motor control center

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for retaining modules in a motor control center. An apparatus for retaining modules in a motor control center (MCC) includes a plate mounted to each side of a module housing and at least one spring mounted to each plate in the module housing. The plate includes a hook at one end, the hook is connected to an opening in the module and pivots about the opening while retaining the plate to the module. The plate also includes a retaining member extending through the opening in the module housing and configured to receive one end of the spring. The spring is in a tensioned state when connected between the retaining member of the plate and the module housing, pulling the retaining member toward the module housing. When the module is inserted, a biasing member engaged with the housing of the MCC is pressed toward the module during insertion. After insertion, the spring pushes the biasing member outward to reliably retain the module to the MCC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a motor control center (MCC). More specifically, a hook plate is mounted on a module inserted into the MCC to prevent the module from being accidentally ejected from the MCC. Background Art

[0002] As known to those skilled in the art, a motor control center (MCC) is a power distribution center that controls multiple motors from a central location. The MCC includes a power feed configured to receive power, which is in turn distributed to each motor controlled by the MCC. The power can be a multi-phase alternating current (AC) power supply such as 230VAC or 460VAC three-phase utility power. The size of the primary breaker is determined according to the combined current rating of each module included in the MCC, and the primary breaker allows the MCC to be disconnected from the utility power center. Within the MCC, a series of voltage busbars extend horizontally and / or vertically to distribute the utility voltage to each module within the MCC. The MCC may include a single vertical unit configured to receive multiple modules or multiple vertical units stacked adjacent to each other, wherein each vertical unit is configured to receive one or more modules.

[0003] The vertical unit includes a slot configured to receive a module, which in turn is configured to control the operation of the motor. Each module may include, for example, a contactor configured to enable or disable the motor, a reversing contactor configured to additionally control the direction of rotation of the motor, a starter configured to accelerate and / or decelerate the motor according to a preset ramp or acceleration profile, or a motor driver configured to control the operation of the motor according to position, speed, or torque commands. Additional modules may be provided, for example, for measuring voltage and / or current conducted along a bus within the MCC and displaying information to a technician. Each module is inserted into one of the slots on the MCC. The empty slot may receive a cover plate to prevent entry into the interior of the MCC during operation.

[0004] The module is configured to be inserted and removed from the MCC while the module is in a disconnected state. It is contemplated that a single slot can be accessed by supplying power to the MCC, enabling a "hot swap" of a failed module or the insertion of a new module without shutting down all motors controlled by the MCC. The cover plate or old module is removed and the new module is inserted into one of the slots. After insertion into the slot, the module is fully engaged within the MCC using a handle, also referred to herein as a connection handle. During insertion, the connection handle is initially in the disconnected position. The module is inserted into the MCC a first distance by manual insertion. The connection handle can then be moved between the disconnected position and the test position. In the test position, the module is pulled further into the MCC to establish a connection with control power and network communications. The connection handle can be moved further to the connected position, and moving the handle to the connected position mechanically pulls the module further into the MCC, during which time the contacts on the module engage the busbars within the MCC and connect the module to the power distributed within the MCC. The physical transition of the connection handle to the on position may also result in a mechanical interlocking engagement between the module and the housing of the MCC to securely retain the module within the housing to prevent removal of the module while in the on position.

[0005] However, depending on the application requirements, the MCC may be operated with some modules in the on position and some modules in the off position or the test position. In the off position or the test position, no mechanical interlock is provided to engage the housing of the MCC in the on position. Other modules may not include a mechanical interlock. One hazard associated with the MCC is an arc-flash hazard. An arc flash may occur when a fault condition causes one phase of the voltage to be momentarily grounded. Because the MCC is configured to distribute large amounts of current to multiple motors, a temporary ground fault condition can result in a large amount of arc flash, which is a sudden discharge of electrical energy and may include large amounts of light, heat, and sometimes a shock force equivalent to an electrical explosion. The force generated by the arc flash condition may be sufficient to eject a module from the MCC if the mechanical interlock is not engaged, thereby posing a hazard to personnel and / or other equipment in the control room.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a means for retaining a module within an MCC and preventing the module from being inadvertently ejected from the MCC. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for retaining a module in a motor control center includes a plate and a spring. The plate is configured to be mounted on the outer surface of a housing for the module. The plate includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module. The spring includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring is configured to be mounted to the retaining member in the housing for the module, and the second end of the spring is configured to be mounted in the housing for the module. The spring is configured to apply a force to the plate in a direction away from the outer surface of the housing for the module when it is mounted between the retaining member and the housing for the module, and the second end of the plate is configured to block the module from being removed from the motor control center.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for retaining a module in a motor control center includes inserting the module into the motor control center at a first distance, wherein the first distance is smaller than fully inserting the motor control center. Inserting the module into the motor control center at the first distance includes: deflecting a biasing member of a device mounted on an outer surface of a housing for the module from a first position toward the outer surface of the housing to a second position, and extending a spring mounted between a retaining member of the device and an inner surface of the housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the module into the motor control center at a second distance, wherein the second distance is the difference between fully inserting the motor control center and inserting the motor control center at the first distance. Inserting the module into the motor control center at the second distance includes: when the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, using the force generated by the spring to move the biasing member of the device away from the outer surface of the housing, and when the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, engaging the motor control center with the biasing member to block the module from being removed from the motor control center.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device for retaining a module in a motor control center includes a plate and a spring. The plate is compressibly mounted on the outer surface of a housing for the module. The plate includes a first retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module and a second retaining member configured to engage the motor control center. The spring is mounted between the first retaining member and the inner surface of the housing for the module. During the insertion of the module into the motor control center, the spring is extended by pressing the plate against the outer surface of the housing, and when the spring is extended, the spring applies a force to the plate away from the outer surface of the housing. The second retaining member is configured to engage the motor control center when the module is fully inserted to block the module from being removed from the motor control center.

[0010] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustration rather than limitation in indicating the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a module housing of one embodiment in which a hook plate is mounted on one side of the module;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a partial top view of a first side of a module housing aligned for insertion into a motor control center;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of the module housing beginning to be inserted into the second side of the motor control center;

[0015] Figure 4 is a partial top view of a second side of a module housing inserted into a motor control center;

[0016] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a second side of a module housing inserted into a motor control center;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the hook plate;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom plan view of the hook plate;

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An upper plan view of the hook plate;

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 a side elevation view of a hook plate; and

[0021] Fig.10 is a front elevation view of an exemplary motor control center incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In describing the various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology will be employed for the sake of clarity. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. For example, "connected", "attached" or similar terms are often used. They are not limited to direct connections, but include connections through other elements, where such connections are considered equivalent by those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein are more fully explained by reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0024] The subject matter disclosed herein describes a device for retaining a module within a motor control center (MCC) and preventing the module from being accidentally ejected from the MCC. A plate is mounted to the outside of each side of a module housing. The plate includes a hook at one end that is inserted through an opening in the module housing. The hook enables the plate to pivot about the opening in the module while retaining the plate to the module. The plate also includes a retaining member extending through the opening in the module housing. The retaining member is configured to receive one end of a spring, wherein the opposite end of the spring is connected to an inner surface within the module housing. The spring is in a taut state when connected between the retaining member of the plate and the housing, so that the spring pulls the retaining member toward the module housing.

[0025] The front portion of the plate includes a biasing member that engages with the housing of the MCC when the module is inserted into the MCC. The biasing member presses the plate against the outer surface of the module housing, stretching the spring into the interior of the module housing. As the module is further inserted into the MCC, the biasing member reaches an opening in the MCC housing. The force applied by the spring pulls the retaining member toward the inner surface of the module housing and moves the biasing member away from the outer surface of the module housing. The biasing member is installed in the opening in the MCC housing and securely holds the module in the MCC housing. In order to remove the module from the MCC housing, a technician must manually press the plate against the outer surface of the module housing, release the biasing member from the MCC housing, and then pull the module out of the MCC housing. Thus, the plate and spring provide a device for retaining a module in a motor control center (MCC) and preventing the module from being accidentally ejected from the MCC.

[0026] First go to Figure 1 , showing one embodiment of a module 10 for insertion into an MCC 20 (see also Fig.10). Each MCC 20 includes at least one and typically a plurality of vertical columns 22. Multiple modules 10 can be inserted into each column. The module 10 has a housing 15, which is typically a box-like structure, sometimes also referred to as a drawer, for insertion into the MCC 20. The module 10 is illustrated from the front, side 14, and top 16. It should be noted that for ease of description, relative terms such as front, back, top, bottom, up, down, left, right, side, etc. are used with respect to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the module 10 can be inserted into a slot within the MCC 20 in a horizontal or vertical orientation by rotation of the module 10 and similar rotation by the relative terms.

[0027] The device for holding the module 10 in the MCC 20 is shown mounted to one side 14 of the module 10. The device will also be referred to herein as a hook plate. A second hook plate may be mounted on the other side of the module 10. Figures 6 to 9 , an exemplary embodiment of a hook plate 50 is shown. The hook plate 50 can be made from a single piece of material, such as a metal sheet, where the sheet is formed by cutting, stamping, bending, etc. to form the hook plate shown. The hook plate 50 includes a first end 52 and a second end 54 opposite the first end. A first side 56 and a second side 58 opposite the first side each extend between the first end 52 and the second end 54. The hook plate 50 has a generally planar portion with an upper surface 60 and a lower surface 62.

[0028] The first end 52 of the hook plate 50 is configured to be mounted to the side 14 of the module 10 prior to insertion into the MCC 20. The first end 52 includes a first retaining member 70 that is configured to retain the hook plate 50 to the module 10 and enable the hook plate 50 to move relative to the outer surface of the module. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining member 70 is an elongated hook that partially spans the width of the hook plate 50 and partially spans a portion of the width of the hook plate 50. The elongated hook can be formed by bending a first portion 72 of the hook plate 50 at a first angle and a second portion 74 of the hook plate 50 at a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle. The first portion 72 of the first retaining member 70 spans the width of the hook plate 50 and can be bent downward, for example, about 30 degrees downward from the generally flat surface of the hook plate 50. The angle can vary and can be as high as 45 degrees. The second portion 74 of the first retaining member 70 spans about half the width of the hook plate 50 and is centrally located between the first side 56 and the second side 58 of the hook plate 50. The second portion 74 may be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the first portion 72 such that the second portion 74 is angled rearwardly toward the second end 54 of the hook plate 50. The combination of the first portion 72 and the second portion 74 defines a hook that is configured to extend through the opening 17 in the side 14 of the housing 15 of the module 10 (see FIG. Figure 3). The illustrated first retaining member 70 is not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide one embodiment. It is contemplated that the first retaining member 70 may take other shapes, such as: the first portion 72 and the second portion 74 have the same width; the second portion 74 has multiple portions; or the first portion and the second portion both have multiple portions defining multiple hooks to engage the housing 15 of the module. Alternatively, the first retaining member 70 may be configured with a continuously curved surface instead of the first stamped portion 72 and the second stamped portion 74.

[0029] The second end 54 of the hook plate 50 is configured to engage with the housing 25 of the MCC 20. The second end 54 includes at least one biasing member 80, which is configured to engage the housing 25 of the MCC 20 during insertion and retain the hook plate 50 within the MCC 20 when the module 10 is fully inserted into the MCC. According to the illustrated embodiment, the at least one biasing member 80 includes a first hook portion 82 and a second hook portion 84. Each hook portion 82, 84 extends from the second end 54 of the hook plate 50 and curls back and up toward the hook plate 50. The upper surface 83 of the first hook portion 82 and the upper surface 85 of the second hook portion 84 are inclined upward from the second end 54 toward the center of the hook plate 50, and the portion of each hook portion 82, 84 toward the center of the hook plate 50 is open. Each hook portion 82, 84 is positioned toward one side 56, 58 of the hook plate 50. Optionally, a single hook portion may be included in the central region of the hook plate, or other number of hook portions may be formed by the sheet of material from which the hook plate 50 is made. Each hook portion can be formed by first cutting or stamping a tab in the second end 54 of the hook plate and curling the end back. It is contemplated that the biasing member 80 may include alternative configurations. According to one aspect of the present invention, the second end 54 of the hook plate 50 may include one or more tabs integrally formed on the plate. Each tab may include a tapered surface with a narrow end proximate the second end 54 of the hook plate and a wide end of the tapered surface positioned inwardly toward the center of the hook plate 50. The flat surface may extend downwardly to the upper surface 60 of the hook plate 50 at the widest end of the tab. Other suitable arrangements of the biasing member may also be included without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The second retaining member 90 can be located in the middle area of ​​the hook plate 50. According to the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining member 90 can be formed between the first hook portion 82 and the second hook portion 84. The hook plate 50 is cut a distance from the second end 54 of the hook plate to the center portion of the hook plate along each side of the first hook portion 82 and the second hook portion 84. The second retaining member 90 is formed by the remaining sheet between the cuts. The sheet is first bent downward to define the first portion 92 of the second retaining member 90. The sheet is then bent so that the second portion 94 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 92 of the second retaining member 90. At least one opening 96 is formed in the second portion 94, wherein each opening 96 is configured to receive one end of the spring 100.

[0031] In operation, the hook plate 50 is configured to securely retain the module 10 within the MCC 20 after the module 10 is fully inserted. Figure 1 , a hook plate 50 is mounted to the side of the housing 15 of each module 10. Although only one side of the housing 15 is visible, it is contemplated that a first hook plate is mounted on a first side of the module 10 and a second hook plate is mounted on a second side of the module 10. A first retaining member 70 on a first end 52 of the hook plate 50 is inserted through a first opening 17 in the housing 15 of the module 10 (see also Figure 3 ). The hook shape of the first retaining member 70 enables the hook plate 50 to pivot around the edge of the housing 15. The second retaining member 90 is inserted through the second opening 19 in the housing 15. At least one spring 100 is installed between the second portion 94 of the second retaining member and the inner surface of the housing 15. According to the illustrated embodiment, the hook plate 50 includes two openings 96 in the second portion 94. The first spring 100 is installed to one of the openings 96 and the second spring is installed to the second opening 96. The spring 100 pulls the second portion 94 of the second retaining member 90 toward the housing 15 of the module. When the second retaining member 90 is pulled toward the housing 15, the second retaining member 90 pushes the hook plate 50 away from the outer surface of the module 10.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , showing the steps of inserting the module 10 into the MCC 20. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the module 10 is positioned in the slot of the MCC 20. Before the hook plate 50 begins to engage the housing 25 of the MCC 20, the module 10 is inserted at a first distance. Figure 2 As shown, the module 10 has not yet been inserted far enough for the hook plate 50 to begin engaging the housing 25 of the MCC. Figure 3As shown, the module 10 has been inserted beyond a first distance and the hook plate 50 has engaged the housing 25 of the MCC. As the hook plate 50 begins to engage the housing 25 of the MCC, the upper surface 83, 85 of each hook portion 82, 84 meets the edge of the housing 25 of the MCC 20. The tapered upper surfaces 83, 85 slide along the edge of the housing 25, pressing the hook plate 50 inwardly toward the outer surface of the housing 15 of the module 10. As the hook plate 50 is pressed inwardly, the second retaining member 90 is pushed further into the housing 15 and stretches the spring or springs 100 within the module 10. The stretching spring 100 generates a force applied to the second retaining member 90 in a direction toward the inner surface of the housing 15.

[0033] Next go to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the module 10 is shown fully inserted into the MCC 20. When the module 10 is fully inserted into the MCC 20, the biasing member 80 is located adjacent to the opening 30 in the housing 25 of the MCC 20. Since the biasing member 80 is no longer adjacent to the surface of the housing 25, the force of the spring or springs 100 applied to the second retaining member 90 pulls the second retaining member 90 toward the inner surface of the module housing 15, which in turn moves the hook plate 50 away from the outer surface of the module housing. The biasing member 80 moves inwardly to the opening 30 in the housing of the MCC 20. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the hook portions 82, 84 of the biasing member 80 extend around the surface of the housing 25 of the MCC. Thus, attempting to remove the module 10 will cause the hook portions 82, 84 to hook on the housing 25 and block removal of the module 10. The hook portions 82, 84 can prevent intentional attempts to remove the module 10 or inadvertent attempts to eject the module.

[0034] In order to remove the module 10, the hook plate 50 must first be pressed against the outer surface of the housing 15 of the module 10. Figure 4 And can be achieved through Figure 2 As can be appreciated from the illustration of the module 10, when the module 10 is fully inserted into the MCC, the front plate 12 of the module 10 does not fully engage the housing 25 of the MCC 20. There is a gap between the housing 25 and the module through which a technician can access the hook plates 50. The technician can apply manual pressure to the upper surface 60 of each hook plate 50, pressing the hook plate against the outer surface of the module 10. This pressure moves the biasing member 80 out of the opening 30 in the housing 25 of the MCC 20. Since the hook portions 82, 84 are no longer engaged with the edges of the housing 25 of the MCC 20, the module 10 can be pulled out of the MCC. Thus, the module 10 can be intentionally removed from the MCC 20 while preventing inadvertent ejection.

[0035] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described herein. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the present invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or apparent in the text and / or the accompanying drawings. All these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein illustrate the best mode of practicing the present invention and will enable other technical personnel in the art to utilize the present invention.

[0036] In the foregoing description, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is apparent that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A device for holding a module in a motor control center, the device comprising: A plate configured to be mounted on an outer surface of a housing for the module, the plate having: The first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module; and a spring having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end of the spring being configured to be mounted to the retaining member within the housing for the module, The second end of the spring is configured to be mounted within the housing for the module, the spring being configured to apply a force to the plate in a direction away from the outer surface of the housing for the module when mounted between the retaining member and the housing for the module, and The second end of the plate is configured to block removal of the module from the motor control center.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end of the plate is pivotally mounted to the outer surface of the housing.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The first end of the plate includes at least one hook configured to engage an opening extending through the housing for the module.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The second end of the plate includes a biasing member, When the module is inserted into the motor control center, the biasing member deflects toward the housing for the module, and When the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, the spring applies the force to the plate to engage the biasing member with the opening in the housing of the motor control center to resist removal of the module from the motor control center.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The biasing member includes at least one hook formed at the second end of the plate.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The retaining member, at least one hook at the first end of the plate, and the biasing member at the second end of the plate are made from a single sheet of material.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The plate is a first plate configured to be mounted on a first side of the outer surface of the housing for the module, and wherein the spring is a first spring configured to be mounted to the first plate, the apparatus further comprising: a second plate configured to be mounted on a second side of the outer surface of the housing for the module, the second plate having: The first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module; and a second spring having a first end and a second end, wherein: The first end of the second spring is configured to be mounted to the retaining member of the second plate within the housing for the module, The second end of the second spring is configured to be mounted within the housing for the module, the second spring being configured to apply a force to the second plate in a direction away from the second side of the housing for the module when mounted between the retaining member and the housing for the module, and The second end of the second plate is configured to block removal of the module from the motor control center.

8. A method for maintaining a module in a motor control center, the method comprising the steps of: Inserting the module into the motor control center at a first distance, the first distance being less than fully inserting into the motor control center, wherein inserting the module into the motor control center at the first distance comprises: biasing a biasing member of a device mounted on an outer surface of a housing for the module from a first position toward the outer surface of the housing to a second position, and extending a spring mounted between a retaining member of the device and an inner surface of the housing; and Inserting the module into the motor control center at a second distance, the second distance being a difference between fully inserted into the motor control center and inserted into the motor control center at the first distance, wherein inserting the module into the motor control center at the second distance comprises: When the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, the biasing member of the device is moved away from the outer surface of the housing using the force generated by the spring, and When the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, the motor control center is engaged with the biasing member to block removal of the module from the motor control center.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: A first end of the device is pivotally mounted to the outer surface of the housing.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The first end of the device includes at least one hook configured to engage an opening extending through the housing for the module, and Deflecting the biasing member includes pivoting the device about the hook.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The biasing member includes at least one hook formed at a second end of the device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: said at least one hook having a curved surface oriented towards an insertion direction of said module; The step of deflecting the biasing member of the device comprises: the curved surface of the at least one hook engaging with a surface of the motor control center, and the curved surface sliding along the surface of the motor control center; and The step of engaging the motor control center with the biasing member includes inserting the module into the motor control center until the at least one hook reaches at least one opening in the surface of the motor control center and the at least one hook is moved into the at least one opening by the force generated by the spring and positioned to hook on the surface of the motor control center in the event of an attempt to remove the module.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The device is a first device mounted on a first outer surface of the housing, The spring is a first spring installed between the retaining member of the first device and the inner surface of the housing, and The method further comprises: The step of mounting a second device on a second outer surface of the housing; and The step of installing a second spring between a retaining member of the second device and the inner surface of the housing.

14. An apparatus for holding a module in a motor control center, the apparatus comprising: a plate compressibly mounted on an outer surface of the housing of the module, the plate having a first retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module and a second retaining member configured to engage the motor control center; as well as a spring mounted between the first retaining member and an inner surface of the housing for the module, wherein: during insertion of the module into the motor control center, extending the spring by pressing the plate against the outer surface of the housing, When the spring is extended, the spring applies a force to the plate away from the outer surface of the housing, and The second retention member is configured to engage the motor control center when the module is fully inserted to block removal of the module from the motor control center.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: the second retaining member comprising a biasing member configured to engage a surface of the motor control center during insertion, a surface of the motor control center engages the biasing member to press the plate against the outer surface of the housing, and When the module is fully inserted into the motor control center, the biasing member is positioned adjacent to the opening in the surface of the motor control center and the force applied by the spring urges the plate away from the outer surface of the housing for the module and pushes the biasing member into the opening in the surface of the motor control center.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The plate includes a third retaining member pivotably mounted to the outer surface of the housing for the module.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The third retaining member includes at least one hook configured to engage an opening extending through the housing for the module.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The third retaining member is located at a first end of the plate, and wherein the second retaining member includes at least one hook formed at a second end of the plate, the second end being opposite to the first end.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The first retaining member, the second retaining member and the third retaining member are made from a single sheet of material.

20. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The plate is a first plate configured to be compressibly mounted on a first side of the outer surface of the housing for the module, and wherein the spring is a first spring configured to be mounted between the first retaining member of the first plate and the inner surface of the housing, the device further comprising: a second plate compressibly mounted on a second side of the exterior surface of the housing for the module, the second plate having a first retaining member configured to extend into the housing for the module and a second retaining member configured to engage the motor control center; a second spring mounted between the first retaining member of the second plate and an inner surface of the housing for the module, wherein: during insertion of the module into the motor control center, extending the second spring by pressing the second plate against the outer surface of the housing, When the second spring is extended, the second spring applies a force to the second plate away from the outer surface of the housing, and The second retention member of the second plate is configured to engage the motor control center when the module is fully inserted to block removal of the module from the motor control center.

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