Circuit Breaker Actuator Arming Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit breakers lack a reliable mechanism to prevent closure when the trip unit is absent or not properly connected, compromising safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical system featuring a movable bridge with an actuator and a cocking lock that ensures the circuit breaker block can only close when both the actuator and lock are in an armed configuration, preventing unauthorized closure and ensuring proper connection between the trip and circuit breaker blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit breaker block is equipped with a removable trip block that can be installed or removed, then the adaptability and ease of maintenance are improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the circuit breaker block can close when the trip block is absent or not properly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical coupling system consisting of a bridge with a second pad and a coupling module with a first pad. This intermediary mechanism ensures that electrical connection between the circuit breaker block and trip block can only occur when the bridge is in the correct positioned, which in turn ensures the actuator is in the armed configuration. This mediator prevents direct closure unless proper connection is established, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the bridge to be positioned and the mechanical coupling to be established before electrical connection can occur. The actuator must first be in the armed configuration, and the bridge must be in the correct position before the trip block can be properly connected and the circuit breaker can close. This preliminary mechanical preparation ensures that proper connection is established before operational function is enabled.
2Reliability
If a mechanical coupling system with lock and actuator is implemented to ensure proper connection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into unified components. The bridge serves both as a mechanical positioning element and an electrical connection element (through the second pad). The actuator combines the functions of mechanical actuation and connection status indication. The coupling module integrates the first pad for electrical connection with the mechanical locking mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the bridge serves multiple purposes: mechanical positioning, electrical connection (second pad), and actuator engagement. The actuator performs both mechanical actuation of the control unit and serves as an indicator of connection status. The coupling module provides both mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
This solution provides a reliable and simple mechanical system that guarantees protection by ensuring the circuit breaker block can only close if both the actuator and lock are in the armed configuration, preventing unintended closure and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
The cocking lock is elastically loaded towards a first position where the actuator is in disarmed configuration
Implementation Method 2
a bridge equipped with at least a second pad, the bridge being movable between a first position where the second pad is in contact with the first pad and a second position where the second pad is separated from the first pad
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The electrical circuit breaker (2) comprises a circuit breaker block (4) including at least one electrical conductor (43, 49) equipped with a first fixed contact (44). The circuit breaker block also includes a bridge (46) equipped with at least a second contact (48), a control unit (50) for the moving bridge, and an actuator (52) for the control unit. This actuator is capable of switching between an armed configuration, where it activates the control unit, and a disarmed configuration, where it does not activate the control unit. The circuit breaker block also includes a first electrical coupling module (58). The electrical circuit breaker also includes a trip block (6) including an electronic trip circuit and a second electrical coupling module (64) for coupling with the first coupling module of the circuit breaker block. This circuit breaker is provided with an actuator arming latch (68).The latch is elastically loaded towards a first position where the actuator is in the disarmed configuration and is adapted to be pushed back towards a second position where the actuator is in the armed configuration when the first and second coupling modules are electrically connected.