Angled Conductor and Arc Splitter for Compact Circuit Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit breakers are relatively bulky, limiting their integration into smaller components due to their large size, which restricts the design and functionality of devices they are intended for.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned circuit breaker with a smaller profile, achieved by optimizing the layout of its components, including an electrical conductor with angled portions and an angled arc splitter, allowing for a reduced width and depth without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard circuit breaker design is used, then reliable overload protection is achieved, but the device size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the conductor path from a conventional layout to one that utilizes angular orientations (30-60 degrees from vertical). This dimensional reorientation allows the arc splitter plates to be positioned more efficiently in space, reducing the overall width and depth of the circuit breaker housing while maintaining the necessary electrical clearance and arc quenching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker employs asymmetric positioning of the arc splitter plates relative to the conductor. The plates are angled at specific non-symmetric angles (30-60 degrees) rather than being parallel or perpendicular to the conductor, creating an optimized asymmetric configuration that reduces the required housing dimensions while ensuring reliable arc control and circuit interruption.
2Volume of moving object
If the circuit breaker profile is reduced, then integration into smaller components is enabled, but the complexity of component layout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc splitter is divided into multiple discrete plates positioned at specific angles rather than using a single large component. This segmentation allows each plate to be independently positioned to optimize space utilization, enabling the reduced profile design while maintaining functional effectiveness through distributed arc quenching zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit interrupter having a compact design. According to some implementations, the circuit interrupter includes a conductor from a terminal to a contact having a portion that is angled with respect to the housing sides. This allows a fastener sleeve used to secure the device housing to be positioned closer to the center of mass of the housing, reducing the area of the housing. In some implementations, an arc splitter is provided which includes conductive plates that are angled with respect to the housing sides, allowing the area of the housing to be reduced. In some implementations, a terminal is designed to accommodate a connection without being doubled back, reducing the clearance required for the terminal and the overall area of the circuit interrupter.