Compact Circuit Breaker Housing Layout for Added Functional Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact circuit breakers face challenges in integrating additional functional groups due to limited construction volume, as defined by standardization, required components, and minimum wall thicknesses, leaving no space for further upgrades.
Innovation Solution
An insulating-material housing design for compact circuit breakers with a unique arrangement of current path regions and receptacle spaces, allowing for an additional functional group by optimizing the placement of components to utilize otherwise unused space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compact circuit breakers are designed with standardized dimensions and required components, then the device meets standardization requirements and basic functionality, but the available construction volume is limited, preventing integration of additional functional groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement of components by positioning the first receptacle space in the region of one narrow side and the second receptacle space in the region of the other narrow side, with the third receptacle space disposed between the fastening side and the first receptacle space. This dimensional reorganization creates a fourth receptacle space in the region next to the first and third receptacle spaces, effectively utilizing previously unused volume in the standardized housing.
2Length of stationary object
If the housing width is maintained at one pitch unit, then the device remains compact and meets mounting standards, but there is insufficient space to accommodate additional functional groups
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented into multiple specialized receptacle spaces: first receptacle space for short-circuit tripping device, second receptacle space for switching contact, third receptacle space for arc-quenching device, and fourth receptacle space for additional functional groups. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned within the constrained width, creating dedicated zones that maximize space utilization without increasing overall housing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement of components to a multi-dimensional spatial configuration where receptacle spaces are distributed across different regions (narrow sides, fastening side region) of the housing. This dimensional reorganization creates the fourth receptacle space for additional functional groups while maintaining the standardized one-pitch-unit width.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional spatial arrangement of components is used, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easier, but no additional installation space is created for extra functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is divided into four distinct receptacle spaces, each with a specific function and location. The first receptacle space receives the short-circuit tripping device, the second receives the switching contact, the third receives the arc-quenching device, and the fourth receives additional functional groups. This segmentation provides clear manufacturing guidelines for component placement while creating the necessary space for extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a non-conventional spatial arrangement where receptacle spaces are positioned in specific regions (narrow sides, fastening side region) rather than following a simple linear sequence. This dimensional reorganization creates the fourth receptacle space for additional functional groups while maintaining manufacturability through clear spatial definitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating-material housing has first and second current path region next to each other and each having a first receiving space for a short-circuit tripping apparatus, a second receiving space for a switching contact and a third receiving space for an arc-quenching apparatus. The two first receiving spaces are arranged in a front side and a respective narrow side of the housing. The two second receiving spaces are arranged centrally between the two first receiving spaces. The third receiving spaces are arranged between a fastening side of the housing and the respectively associated first receiving space. A fourth receiving space for an additional functional assembly is next to the first and/or third receiving space of the first current path region in a normal direction of the broad sides. The compact configuration allows the circuit breaker to be expanded by an additional functional assembly in the fourth receiving space.