Circuit Breaker In-Out Interlock for Automatic Off Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers require the off-button to be pressed separately to insert the in-out handle, making it difficult to use the in-out interlock device during transportation and increasing the risk of product damage.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker with an in-out interlock device that includes a cradle, a shutter plate, a pad lock member, and an interlock block, allowing the in-out handle to be inserted without pressing the off-button, and automatically switching the circuit breaker to an off-state when the pad lock member is pressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the off-button is pressed separately to insert the in-out handle, then the circuit breaker can be safely switched to off-state, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to use during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the off-button pressing action and the in-out handle insertion action into a single integrated operation. The in-out handle is designed to automatically press the off-button during its insertion process, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing complexity while maintaining safety through the interlock mechanism that ensures the circuit breaker is switched to off-state before handle insertion is completed
2Ease of operation
If the in-out handle can be inserted without pressing off-button, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of product damage increases due to improper state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary protective action by designing an interlock mechanism that prevents the in-out handle from being inserted unless the circuit breaker is already in the off-state. The off-button pressing action occurs before or during the handle insertion process, creating a preliminary condition that eliminates the risk of inserting the handle in an improper state and causing product damage
3Reliability
If multiple steps are required to operate the in-out interlock device, then the safety control is improved, but the productivity and workability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the safety control action (pressing the off-button) as a preliminary step that is automatically integrated into the in-out handle insertion process. This preliminary action ensures safety requirements are met before the main operation is completed, while the automatic integration eliminates the need for separate manual steps, thereby maintaining productivity and workability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker having an in-out interlock device and, more specifically, to a circuit breaker having an in-out interlock device, which allows a switch of the circuit breaker to be switched to an off-state during transportation of a circuit breaker body.