Air Circuit Breaker Key Interlock for Draw-In and Draw-Out Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circuit breakers lack integrated control and maintenance features for interlock devices, particularly in complex power distribution systems with multiple breakers and emergency power sources, necessitating improved interlock functionality and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An air circuit breaker design incorporating a cradle and circuit breaker main body with an interlock lever and transfer device unit, featuring a key interlock assembly and shutter plate that restricts movement based on the interlock lever's position, allowing simultaneous input operation and positional movement restriction, with easy maintenance through a key assembly accommodation groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate interlock devices are applied to the circuit breaker main body and cradle, then the interlock function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker main body interlock device and cradle interlock device into a single integrated interlock device. The interlock lever is connected to the circuit breaker main body, while the interlock plate and shutter plate are disposed in the cradle, forming a unified system that performs both interlock functions through one device rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interlock device performs multiple functions: it restrains input operation of the circuit breaker main body through the interlock lever, and restrains positional movement of the circuit breaker main body through the shutter plate. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate interlock devices while maintaining comprehensive interlock protection.
2Reliability
If complex interlock devices are used for multiple power sources, then comprehensive interlock control is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the interlock device into distinct functional components: the interlock lever connected to the circuit breaker main body, the interlock plate disposed in the cradle, and the shutter plate that controls access. This segmentation allows individual components to be maintained or replaced independently while preserving the overall interlock functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The key assembly serves as an intermediary operating mechanism that controls the interlock plate's position. By using this intermediate component, the system achieves complex interlock control for multiple power sources while maintaining ease of operation and maintenance through a simple key-based interface.
3Ease of operation
If the interlock lever can move freely, then operational flexibility is maintained, but unauthorized operation and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the shutter plate to prevent access to the handle insertion hole before unauthorized operation can occur. When the interlock plate is in the blocked position, the shutter plate covers the handle insertion hole, making it impossible to insert the handle and operate the circuit breaker main body, thereby preventing unauthorized operation in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism provides feedback through the interlock lever's position, which controls the interlock plate's position, which in turn controls the shutter plate's position. This feedback chain ensures that the system only allows operation when proper conditions are met, maintaining safety while permitting legitimate operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An air circuit breaker is disclosed. An air circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cradle and a circuit breaker main body drawn-in and drawn-out to/from the cradle; and further includes: an interlock lever connected to an off button of the circuit breaker main body to move vertically; and a transfer device unit provided on the lower side of the cradle, wherein the transfer device unit can include a key interlock assembly, which is provided to be horizontally movable so that, in a state of having moved toward one side thereof, the movement of the interlock lever is restricted and, in a state of having moved toward the other side thereof, the movement of the interlock lever is permitted.