Circuit Breaker Control Unit Mounting for HMI Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit breakers face issues with the fragility of human-machine interface (HMI) elements, particularly the screen, which are prone to damage or ejection due to electrical, magnetic, and mechanical phenomena during circuit breaker trips, and traditional securing methods like screws increase stress and risk cracking.
Innovation Solution
A control unit design featuring a front subassembly with transverse edges connected via kinematic connections, allowing translation locking and rotational freedom, distributed deformation, and elastic bending to absorb shock without breaking, using hooks and complementary members for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional screw fasteners are used to secure the front subassembly to the rear subassembly, then the front subassembly is firmly fixed, but local stresses increase during circuit breaker trips, risking cracking of the front subassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The front subassembly is designed with flexible edges that can deform elastically during circuit breaker trips. The edges are configured to bend and absorb shock forces, distributing stresses across the entire component rather than concentrating them at fixed points. This flexibility prevents cracking while maintaining secure attachment through the kinematic connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a rigid static connection to a dynamic kinematic connection. The edges are locked in translation but free to rotate, allowing the front subassembly to move and deform in response to trip forces. This dynamic capability enables the structure to absorb energy through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the front subassembly is rigidly fixed to prevent ejection during trips, then stability is improved, but HMI elements remain vulnerable to damage from shock forces
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic connection mechanism is designed in advance to provide shock absorption capabilities. The edges are specifically configured with rotational freedom that acts as a cushioning mechanism, allowing the front subassembly to absorb trip forces before they reach the HMI elements. This pre-designed flexibility protects fragile components from direct shock impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism changes its mechanical parameters during operation. During normal operation, the edges are locked providing stable fixation. During trips, the edges can rotate, changing the degree of freedom and allowing energy absorption. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions and protect HMI elements from damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fastening points are added to secure the front subassembly, then ejection prevention is improved, but device complexity and stress concentration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is segmented between the two edges of the front subassembly, each equipped with a kinematic connection mechanism. Rather than adding multiple fasteners across the entire subassembly, the solution distributes the fixing function to specific segments (edges) that can independently absorb and distribute shock forces. This segmentation simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The edges of the front subassembly serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable kinematic connection for shock absorption, and distribute fixing forces across the assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated fastening components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fixing 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
The design effectively distributes and absorbs shock forces, preventing damage to HMI elements by allowing flexible deformation, reducing the risk of cracking and maintaining the assembly integrity during cut-off events.
Implementation Method 1
the front subassembly is free to deform elastically in bending. When the cut-off unit is triggered, the deformations caused by the cut-off shock are thus distributed and absorbed over the entire front subassembly
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This control unit (20) comprises a housing (30) comprising a rear subassembly (34) and a front subassembly (100), which is assembled to the rear subassembly and which comprises a central portion (102) with two opposite transverse edges (111, 112). The front subassembly (100) also comprises fixing members (121, 122) while the rear subassembly (34) comprises complementary members (131, 132), which are configured to cooperate with the fixing members so as to secure the front subassembly (100) to the rear subassembly (34), so that the two transverse edges are locked in translation relative to the rear subassembly (34) in two respective opposite and divergent directions, while each of the transverse edges is free to rotate relative to the rear subassembly (34) around an axis parallel to the transverse edge in question.