Auxiliary Switch Tray Bottom Mounting for Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, is the limited space for mounting accessories, which often requires custom modifications and can lead to incorrect installation and safety issues due to restricted access.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary switch tray with a module having mounts and a base that securely and removably mounts multiple auxiliary switches without the need for modifications or custom brackets, using resilient tabs for secure positioning and alignment within the circuit breaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are mounted in traditional locations within the circuit breaker housing, then the circuit breaker can provide signaling and control functions, but the limited space and restricted access lead to incorrect installation and damage to accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves accessory mounting from traditional side or top locations to the bottom of the circuit breaker housing. This dimensional change provides better access for installation while utilizing previously underutilized space, allowing for more accurate and safer accessory installation without compromising the compact design of the circuit breaker.
2Area of stationary object
If custom brackets or modified accessories are used to fit within the circuit breaker, then accessories can be mounted in limited space, but the complexity of manufacture increases and time is lost in customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal mounting brackets that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (auxiliary switches, shunt trips, under-voltage releases, bell alarms) without requiring custom design for each accessory type. The standardized bracket design with multiple mounting positions and universal attachment mechanisms eliminates the need for customization, reducing manufacturing complexity and installation time while effectively utilizing the bottom mounting space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are mounted in the circuit breaker, then comprehensive control and signaling functions are achieved, but the already limited space becomes congested and access for installation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates multiple accessory mounting positions to the bottom of the circuit breaker housing, a dimension that provides superior access for installation and maintenance. This bottom-mounting approach allows multiple accessories to be installed in a linear arrangement that is easily accessible from below, eliminating the congestion and accessibility issues associated with traditional side or top mounting locations while maintaining comprehensive control and signaling functions.
4Volume of stationary object
If accessories are installed in blind locations within the circuit breaker, then space is utilized, but incorrect installation occurs and safety features are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves accessory installation from blind internal locations to the bottom exterior of the circuit breaker housing. This dimensional relocation transforms previously inaccessible mounting positions into easily accessible locations, allowing installers to visually verify and correctly position all accessories while maintaining effective use of the circuit breaker's internal volume for other critical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, accurate, and safe installation of multiple auxiliary switches in a predetermined position, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of damage, while maintaining the switches in their stock form without requiring separate fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
Each compartment may include a resilient tab having a retaining portion for retaining the corresponding auxiliary switch within the compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
An auxiliary switch tray is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of auxiliary switches. The housing has a mounting mechanism. The auxiliary switch tray includes a module having first and second sides, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the first side. At least a plurality of the mounts is structured to receive a corresponding one of the auxiliary switches. A base is disposed on the second side of the module and is coupled to the mounting mechanism in order to install the auxiliary switches in a predetermined position with respect to the actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The module, the mounts, and the base comprise one single-piece molded member. At least a plurality of the mounts are molded compartments of the single-piece molded member.