Circuit-Breaker Control Mechanism Frame Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit-breaking devices for low-voltage systems have lengthy assembly times due to the complex assembly of numerous small components in their control mechanisms, which increases manufacturing costs and time.

Innovation Solution

The circuit-breaking device features a supporting frame with additional transverse connecting portions that stabilize the kinematic chain, allowing the control mechanism to be assembled separately and inserted later, utilizing the trip shaft as a connection means to simplify assembly and reduce manufacturing time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional control mechanisms with multiple hinged joints and pins are used, then the circuit breaker can achieve reliable contact operation, but the assembly time increases significantly due to the complex assembly procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact operation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control mechanism into modular components: a supporting frame with integrated connection means, and separate operative members (trip shaft, tripping element, control rod). These segments can be manufactured independently and assembled more efficiently, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining functional reliability through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the supporting frame with connection means (transverse connecting portions) that directly integrate with the trip shaft. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hinged joints and pins between the frame and trip shaft, reducing the number of assembly steps and components while ensuring reliable mechanical connection for contact operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If numerous small components with hinged joints are used in the control mechanism, then the circuit breaker achieves proper kinetic function, but the manufacturing cost increases due to complex assembly procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism kinetic functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism is segmented into functional modules (trip shaft assembly, tripping element, control rod) that can be manufactured using optimized processes for each module. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing techniques and reduces the complexity of assembling numerous small components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving kinetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trip shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a kinetic transmission element. The supporting frame with integrated connection means provides both structural support and mechanical coupling functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2382645B1A circuit-breaking device for low-voltage systems.
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 ABB SPA
  • EP2382645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2382645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2382645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a circuit-breaking device for low-voltage systems with a control mechanism that has improved characteristics of compact size and reliability. The circuit-breaking device according to the invention comprises an outer housing (2) containing, for each pole, at least one fixed contact (1e) and at least one moving contact (20) suitable for being mutually coupled and uncoupled. The device also comprises a control mechanism (30) comprising a supporting frame (31) that supports a kinematic chain operatively connected to the moving contact so as to enable the latter to be coupled to or uncoupled from the fixed contact. The supporting frame comprises a pair of sides (134) connected by means of a first transverse connecting portion (21) and by further connection means that define a further transverse connecting portion in a different position from that of the first transverse connecting portion.