Miniature Circuit Breaker Linkage Assembly Without Re-Buckling Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature circuit breakers have complex assembly processes due to a large number of components and small spring wire diameters in re-buckling torsion springs, making automated assembly difficult.
Innovation Solution
The operating system of the miniature circuit breaker incorporates a handle torsion spring that connects to both the handle and tripping rod, eliminating the need for a re-buckling torsion spring, simplifying the assembly by reducing components and facilitating automated assembly through a four-linkage mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a re-buckling torsion spring with small spring wire diameter is used, then the switching function can be achieved, but the assembly difficulty increases and automated assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the re-buckling torsion spring from the system entirely. Instead, it uses a single handle torsion spring that performs multiple functions, eliminating the component with small wire diameter that caused assembly difficulties while maintaining the necessary switching functionality through a different mechanical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle torsion spring serves multiple functions: it provides the buckling force for switching, maintains the locked state, and enables automated assembly. By consolidating these functions into a single component with larger wire diameter, the patent resolves the assembly difficulty while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If a contact support frame with contact rivet and separate contact rod is used, then the contact component can be assembled, but the number of assembly components increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the contact rod and contact support frame into a single integral contact component. This merging eliminates the contact rivet and reduces the number of separate parts, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the functional integrity of the contact mechanism.
3Reliability
If the tripping component drives the contact support frame to rotate and then the contact rod rotates about the contact rivet, then the switching action is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By making the contact rod and contact support frame integral, the patent eliminates the two-stage rotation mechanism (first contact support frame, then contact rod). The simplified single-component structure achieves the switching action more directly, reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining reliable switching functionality.
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
This design reduces assembly complexity and improves efficiency, allowing for easier and faster assembly of the miniature circuit breaker while maintaining reliable switching states between closed, tripping, and open positions.
Implementation Method 1
a handle torsion spring, sleeved onto the handle rotating shaft, two ends of the handle torsion spring being respectively connected to the handle and the tripping rod, the handle torsion spring being always in an energy storage state so as to push the tripping rod towards the latch
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an operating system of a miniature circuit breaker and a miniature circuit breaker having the same. The operating system is mounted to a circuit breaker body of the miniature circuit breaker. The operating system includes: a handle, which is rotatably mounted to a circuit breaker body by means of a handle rotating shaft; a contact component, which is rotatably mounted to the circuit breaker body by means of a support rotating shaft and remains in contact with a static contact on the circuit breaker body; a latch, which is rotatably mounted to the contact component; a linkage, two ends of which are rotatably connected to the handle and the latch respectively; a tripping rod, which is sleeved onto the support rotating shaft and capable of rotating relative to the contact component; and a handle torsion spring, which is sleeved onto the handle rotating shaft, two ends of the handle torsion spring being respectively connected to the handle and the tripping rod. The handle torsion spring is always in an energy storage state, so as to push the tripping rod towards the latch to keep the tripping rod locked with the latch.