Circuit Breaker Interlock with Cable-Driven Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical interlocking mechanisms for circuit breakers require manual operation, are limited to interlocking between two devices, and suffer from poor positioning precision, vibration issues, and high manufacturing costs, affecting safety, reliability, and service life.
Innovation Solution
A set of circuit breakers with interconnected cable mechanisms, including drive members, control members, locking members, and elastic elements, allowing for automatic control and random interlocking between multiple circuit breakers, featuring a control lever, driving lever, and tension springs to ensure reliable operation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If key interlock means are used for mechanical interlocking, then interlocking function is achieved, but manual operation is required and automatic control cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional key interlock mechanical systems with a cable-driven mechanical linkage system. The cable mechanism transmits motion between circuit breakers automatically, eliminating the need for manual key operations while maintaining reliable mechanical interlocking functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If leverage interlock or wire rope interlock means are used, then interlocking between two circuit breakers is achieved, but interlocking between three or more circuit breakers with random combination cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cable-driven interlock system where each circuit breaker is equipped with identical cable mechanisms that can connect to any other breaker in the group. This standardized multi-functional design enables random combination interlocking between three or more circuit breakers without requiring different mechanisms for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking system is segmented into independent cable mechanisms at each circuit breaker, with each breaker having its own drive means, control member, and locking member. This modular segmentation allows flexible combination of multiple breakers while keeping individual unit complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If elastically supported rocker is used in mechanical interlock, then interlocking function is achieved, but mounting and adjustment are highly demanding with poor repetitive positioning precision and vibration-proof performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic support function from the rocker mechanism and replaces it with dedicated tension springs that are separately mounted. This separation allows the rocker to be a simple rigid component while the springs provide the necessary elastic compensation, improving both positioning precision and vibration resistance without complicating the overall assembly.
4Reliability
If wire ropes are used for cable mechanism, then interlocking function is achieved, but connection becomes loose and deformed under tensile force, impairing positioning precision and affecting safety and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cable from traditional wire rope to steel wire with specific tensile strength characteristics. This parameter change ensures the cable maintains its length and positioning precision under tensile load while providing sufficient strength for safe operation and extended service life.
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
The solution enables automatic control, improved safety, robustness, and reliability, with reduced manufacturing costs and extended service life, while allowing for flexible interlocking configurations between multiple circuit breakers.
Implementation Method 1
each interlock means comprises a drive member, a control member, a locking member, a base plate, and a cable mechanism; the base plate of the interlock means is provided with at least one control lever, at least one driving lever, at least two control arms which are separate elements from said control lever and three elastic elements connected to said control lever and said two control arms respectively at their ends and fixed to the base plate at their other ends
Implementation Method 2
Wire ropes of two hawsers that are connected to two ends of the driving lever of any of the circuit breakers are connected to a control arm of each of the other two circuit breakers. Under the joint action of the tensile force of the wire ropes and the elastic force of the elastic element the control arm performs restricting or releasing the movement of the control lever
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A set of circuit breakers with interlock means, particularly a set of circuit breakers capable of realizing any mechanical interlock and unlock between two or more circuit breakers, wherein in the set of circuit breakers, each circuit breaker has an interlock means, said interlock means comprising a base plate 5, a driving lever 80, a control lever 8, two control arms 27, 28, three tension springs 10, 11, 12, and six hawsers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, two hawsers connected to two ends of the driving lever of each circuit breaker are respectively connected to a control arm of the other two circuit breakers.