Adjustable Terminal Base for Circuit Breaker Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting and electrical connection bases for molded case circuit breakers are limited in their ability to accommodate circuit breakers of different vertical sizes due to varying terminal pitch, requiring multiple base types for different sizes.
Innovation Solution
A supporting and electrical connection base with adjustable terminal arrays, including a central auxiliary array, allows for flexible alignment with circuit breakers of varying vertical sizes, enabling connection to either the standard or reduced terminal arrays, and includes a protection component for safe access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed terminal array configuration is used in the base, then the base can be manufactured with simple structure, but it cannot accommodate circuit breakers of different vertical sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure incorporates adjustable terminal arrays that can be repositioned vertically along guide rails or slots. This dynamic configuration allows the terminal pitch to be changed to match different circuit breaker sizes, transforming a static base into an adaptable platform that maintains compatibility across multiple breaker types without requiring multiple specialized bases
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable terminal arrays and modular components that can accommodate various circuit breaker configurations. A single base design serves multiple functions by supporting different breaker sizes and terminal arrangements, eliminating the need for separate specialized bases for each breaker type
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of bases are manufactured for different circuit breaker sizes, then each base can be optimized for its specific breaker type, but the inventory complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple specialized bases, the invention employs a single universal base design with adjustable terminal arrays. This approach consolidates manufacturing operations into one standardized platform that can be configured for different breaker types, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity, inventory requirements, and production costs while maintaining full compatibility across all breaker sizes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal arrays are made adjustable to accommodate different pitch distances, then the base can work with various breaker sizes, but the adjustment mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal arrays are equipped with adjustment mechanisms that enable vertical repositioning along guide rails or slots. This dynamic capability allows operators to modify the terminal pitch to match different circuit breaker configurations, providing necessary adaptability while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple through the use of standardized guides and positioning features
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal arrays are divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted and repositioned. This segmentation allows each terminal or group of terminals to be moved separately along the guide structure, enabling flexible configuration for different breaker types while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the overall adjustment mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Supporting and electrical connection base (1), for mechanically fixing and electrically connecting a first molded case circuit breaker (10) inside an electrical switchboard, wherein the circuit breaker (10) may be coupled to the base (1) and comprising first and second spaced apart arrays (I_1, I_2) of electrical connection terminals (17, 18). The base (1) comprises: - a primary body (2, 3, 4) made of insulating material, having a front face (2a) to be juxtaposed to a rear face (12b) of the first circuit breaker (10); - a first (B_1) and second (B_2) array of electrical connection terminals (7, 8) placed at a distance (d1) such as to be able to cooperate with the first (I_1, I_2) and second array of electrical connection terminals of the first circuit breaker (10). The base (1) further comprises a third array (B_3) of electrical connection terminals (9) placed in an intermediate position between the first (B_1) and second (B_2) arrays of connection terminals of base (1) in order to permit, as an alternative to the coupling between the first circuit breaker (10) and the base, the coupling of a second molded case circuit breaker (20), having two arrays (1_3, 1_4) of connection terminals, spaced apart at a distance smaller than the distance between the two arrays (I_1, I_2) of connection terminals of the first circuit breaker (10).