Universal Circuit Breaker Lock Device with Adjustable Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch restraint devices are often bulky, costly, and incompatible with different brands of circuit breakers, posing safety risks and hindering access to circuit breaker boxes.
Innovation Solution
A universal breaker lock device with a collar member and lever arm configuration that fits various switch handle sizes, featuring a cover member with apertures for external locking, allowing secure engagement without modification across multiple brands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the restraint device width is made equal to the switch handle width, then engagement security is improved, but device size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire restraint device as wide as the switch handle, the channel is designed with localized engagement features concentrated at critical points. The channel width is minimized while maintaining sufficient engagement security through strategic positioning of engagement surfaces and geometric constraints that secure the switch handle without requiring full-width coverage.
2Quantity of substance
If the restraint device size is reduced, then material cost and bulkiness are improved, but engagement reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The channel geometry is optimized with specific dimensional parameters including width, length, and angular orientations of engagement surfaces. These parameters are carefully selected to achieve maximum engagement reliability with minimum material usage, creating a compact yet secure restraint structure that prevents switch handle movement without excessive material consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal breaker lock device for a switch handle includes a channel adapted to accommodate the switch handle. The channel includes a base wall, first and second side walls that extend generally perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second feet that extend toward one another from distal ends of the first and second side walls. The channel includes a width defined by a distance measured between the first and second side walls. A lever arm extends from the base wall a distance greater than the width of the channel. A cover, with two apertures, is disposed on the lever arm, to prevent engagement with a fastener. A lock may be disposed through the apertures to prevent removal of the universal breaker lock device while in use.