Circuit Breaker Locking Mechanism With Switchable Handle Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for circuit breakers require removal and reattachment each time the breaker is operated, posing inconvenience and risk of misplacement or incorrect reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with two configurations - free and locked - allowing permanent attachment to the circuit breaker, featuring an elastic biasing element that can be positioned to prevent or allow operation, with a cover and guide mechanism to secure the system in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking system is permanently attached to a circuit breaker, then the risk of misplacement is reduced and convenience is improved, but the circuit breaker operation is impeded when the locking element blocks the handle movement path
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates an elastic biasing element that enables dynamic positioning between a locked configuration (blocking handle movement) and an unlocked configuration (allowing handle movement). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between providing permanent attachment convenience and enabling circuit breaker operation as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the locking element relative to the circuit breaker handle. By moving the locking element between positions that block and positions that clear the handle movement path, the system achieves both permanent attachment benefits and operational flexibility
2Reliability
If a locking system is permanently attached to a circuit breaker, then the locking system remains in place and misplacement risk is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to multiple configurations and positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic biasing element provides self-service by automatically maintaining the locking element in either locked or unlocked configuration without requiring external control mechanisms. The elastic element's inherent properties enable automatic positioning and configuration maintenance, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for attachment, a locking element for blocking, and an elastic biasing element for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, managing complexity through functional decomposition
3Reliability
If a locking element blocks the handle movement path to prevent operation, then safety is improved during intervention, but the ease of operation deteriorates when operation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element provides preliminary anti-action by positioning itself to block the handle movement path before any unauthorized operation can occur. This preventive blocking ensures safety during intervention, while the ability to remove or reposition the locking element allows easy operation when needed
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
Enables secure, permanent attachment to circuit breakers without impeding normal operation when desired, reducing the risk of misplacement and ensuring the system remains effective.
Implementation Method 1
a locking system with two configurations - free and locked - allowing permanent attachment to the circuit breaker, featuring an elastic biasing element that can be positioned to prevent or allow operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit breaker locking system (10), the locking system (10) comprising at least one stop element (22, 70). The locking system (10) has a free configuration and a locked configuration, the locking system (10) being adapted to be fixed to a circuit breaker in both the free and locked configurations. The locking system (10) is adapted to allow the circuit breaker to operate in the free configuration and to prevent the at least one stop element (22, 70) from operating the circuit breaker, more specifically to prevent any operation of a circuit breaker handle, in the locked configuration.