Integrated Interlock Device for Air Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interlock devices for air circuit breakers can only perform a single interlock function, such as mechanical or door locking, and face spatial limitations and design constraints, making it difficult to integrate multiple interlock functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An integrated interlock device using cables to transmit power between air circuit breakers, featuring bi-directional and uni-directional levers, and multiple cables with sheaths and core members, allowing for simultaneous performance of mechanical, door, and MOC interlock functions, enabling flexible operation across multiple circuit breakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional interlock devices use cables to connect circuit breakers, then mechanical interlock or door lock function can be provided, but only one function can be performed at a time and spatial limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interlock functions (mechanical interlock, door lock, and MOC interlock) into a single integrated device. The device includes a housing that accommodates multiple levers (bi-directional lever, uni-directional lever, door lever) and cable connection points, allowing all functions to be performed through one unified structure rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interlock device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical interlock between circuit breakers, door lock to prevent switchboard door opening, and MOC interlock. The universal design allows the same device structure to handle different interlock requirements through its multiple levers and cable connection points.
2Ease of operation
If interlock devices are installed remotely or at different positions, then operational flexibility is needed, but conventional devices face spatial limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible cables with sheaths to connect the integrated interlock device to circuit breakers and switchboard doors. The cable assembly includes multiple cables that can extend to different locations, allowing the device to operate circuit breakers and lock doors regardless of their spatial separation. The flexible cable construction enables installation in various positions without rigid structural constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interlock functions are integrated into one device, then design freedom increases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated interlock device is segmented into distinct functional modules within a single housing: a bi-directional lever for mechanical interlock, a uni-directional lever for MOC interlock, and a door lever for door locking. Each lever is independently configured and connected to specific cable connection points, allowing complex functionality to be managed through modular segmentation rather than a monolithic structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated interlock device of an air circuit breaker, and more particularly, to an integrated interlock device of an air circuit breaker capable of using different types of interlock devices in an integrated manner in case of using two or more air circuit breakers connected to each other, and a method of using the same. The integrated interlock device of an air circuit breaker includes: a mounting plate (30) installed at part of a cradle or a switchboard; a bi-directional lever (40) rotatably installed at the mounting plate, having a first arm and a second arm which are toward different directions on the basis of a first rotation shaft, and moved in a connected state to a main shaft of a circuit breaker body; a unidirectional lever (50) rotatably installed at the mounting plate in a spaced state from the bi-directional lever, having a third arm which is toward one direction on the basis of a second rotation shaft, and moved in a connected state to an off lever of the circuit breaker body; and first to third cables (81, 82, 83), including sheaths and core members, configured to transmit a power in a connected state to the first to third arms, respectively.