Adaptor Mating Non-Plug-In Breaker to Plug-In Panel Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The availability and selection of plug-in circuit breakers can be limiting in applications where space and access are constrained, particularly in aerospace electrical systems, due to their specific design for plug-in panels.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor is provided to mate a non-plug-in type circuit breaker to a plug-in circuit breaker panel, comprising a first conductive portion coupled to the non-plug-in breaker's terminal and a second conductive portion that engages the bus structure, forming a conductive pathway, which can be mechanically fastened or soldered, using materials like copper alloys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plug-in circuit breakers are used in plug-in breaker panels, then the panel is suitable for aerospace applications with limited space and access, but the availability and selection of circuit breakers are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An adaptor is introduced as an intermediary component between the non-plug-in circuit breaker and the plug-in breaker panel. The adaptor includes a body with a receptacle that receives the circuit breaker and plug-in members that engage with the bus structure, thereby enabling compatibility between non-plug-in breakers and plug-in panels without modifying the original panel design
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is designed to provide multi-functionality by serving as both a mounting structure for non-plug-in circuit breakers and an electrical connection interface with the bus structure. This universal component enables the panel to accommodate both plug-in and non-plug-in breaker types, expanding selection flexibility while maintaining a standardized panel architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-plug-in type circuit breakers are integrated into plug-in panels, then flexibility in breaker selection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is segmented into distinct functional portions: a body portion that interfaces with the circuit breaker, and plug-in members that interface with the bus structure. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in the integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as a mediator that bridges the interface between non-plug-in breakers and plug-in panels. By introducing this intermediate component, the system achieves greater versatility without requiring fundamental changes to the panel structure, thus managing complexity effectively
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptor (44, 70) mating a non-plug-in type circuit breaker (42) to a bus structure (14, 64) of a plug-in breaker panel (40, 62) includes a first portion (48, 72) coupled to a terminal (46) of the non-plug- in type circuit breaker (42) and an opposite second portion (50, 74) engaging a portion (24, 66) of the bus structure (14, 64). The first portion is formed from a first conductive material and the opposite second portion is formed from a second conductive material. The firs portion and the second portion form a conductive pathway between the terminal (46) of the non-plug-in type circuit breaker (42) and the portion (24, 66) of the bus structure (14).