Circuit Breaker Manual Handle Linkage for Clear Trip Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The external screwing handle of existing circuit breakers lacks clear indication between the closing and tripping states, making it difficult for users to intuitively determine the operating state.
Innovation Solution
The manual operation mechanism includes an external screwing handle, a transmission mechanism, a linkage arm, and a rocker arm, with adjusted rotation centers and gear configurations to enhance the swing angle of the linkage arm, ensuring clear indication of the closing, tripping, and opening states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the external screwing handle is positioned at the boundary between closing and tripping regions during state transition, then the mechanical linkage can achieve compact structure, but the indication clarity deteriorates making it difficult for users to determine the operating state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indication function into two separate components: the external screwing handle for operation and the indicating end for state display. The indicating end is independently connected to the linkage mechanism and can be positioned separately from the handle, allowing clear distinction between operating component and indication component. This segmentation enables the indicating end to clearly display tripping/closing states independent of the handle's operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicating end as an intermediary element that mediates between the internal linkage mechanism and the user. This indicating end translates the mechanical state (tipping/closing) into clear visual positions that are independent of the external screwing handle's position, serving as a dedicated communication channel for state information without being affected by the handle's operational movements.
2Loss of information
If the linkage arm swing angle is increased to improve state indication, then the indication clarity improves, but the rotation center positioning becomes more complex and may cause rotation jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the indication function from the operational handle by introducing an independent indicating end with its own rotation center. This allows the indicating end to have a different swing angle and rotation characteristics optimized purely for indication clarity, while the external screwing handle maintains its operational functionality without being constrained by indication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different rotational characteristics to different parts of the mechanism: the indicating end has a larger swing angle optimized for clear state indication, while the external screwing handle has rotation characteristics optimized for user operation. Each component has its rotation center and swing parameters independently optimized for its specific function, allowing local optimization without compromising the other.
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 intuitive determination of the circuit breaker's operating state by accurately positioning the external screwing handle, aligning with user operation habits and reducing rotation jamming.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission mechanism includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is disposed on the linkage arm and configured to rotate coaxially with the linkage arm. The second gear meshes with the first gear and is connected to and configured to rotate coaxially with the external screwing handle.
Implementation Method 2
The transmission mechanism includes a sector gear and a transmission arm. The sector gear is disposed on the linkage arm and configured to rotate coaxially with the linkage arm. The transmission arm is connected to the external screwing handle and configured to rotate coaxially with the external screwing handle. The transmission arm is provided with an internal gear ring structure meshing with the sector gear.
Data Source
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AI summary
A manual operation mechanism of a circuit breaker, and a circuit breaker. The manual operation mechanism of the circuit breaker comprises an external rotary handle (1), a transmission mechanism (2), a linkage arm (3) and a rocker arm (4), wherein the external rotary handle (1) is rotatably provided outside a housing (100) of the circuit breaker around a first rotating center; the linkage arm (3) is rotatably provided inside the housing (100) around a second rotating center, and the linkage arm (3) is connected to the external rotary handle (1) by means of the transmission mechanism (2); one end of the rocker arm (4) is rotatably arranged inside the housing (100) around a third rotating center, and the other end of the rocker arm (4) is slidably connected to the linkage arm (3); and the three rotating centers dop not coincide with one another.