Circuit Breaker Operating Mechanism Vertical Layout Arc Extinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded case circuit breakers face challenges in increasing arc voltage and accommodating a larger arc-extinguishing chamber due to limited external dimensions, and have complex and unreliable structures for short-circuit and overload protection.
Innovation Solution
An operating mechanism with a support, rocker arm assembly, jump catch, lock catch, and re-buckling unit, along with a slide rail and cranks, allows for independent operation and modular assembly, enabling a larger arc-extinguishing chamber and improved arc-extinguishing performance by rearranging the contact system and providing more design space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the arc-extinguishing chamber size is increased to improve arc voltage, then arc-extinguishing performance is improved, but the external dimensions of the product increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from horizontal to vertical layout. The moving contact mechanism rotating shaft and operating mechanism are arranged in a vertical direction, allowing the arc-extinguishing chamber to be positioned above the moving contact mechanism. This vertical arrangement enables the arc-extinguishing chamber to achieve a larger effective volume and higher arc voltage without increasing the horizontal footprint of the circuit breaker.
2Device complexity
If the operating mechanism uses a traditional four-link-five-link conversion structure, then the structure is compact, but the layout is fixed and cannot accommodate a larger arc-extinguishing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable connecting rod that can change its connection position on the crank. The connecting rod has multiple connection holes that can be positioned at different locations, allowing the mechanism to adapt its geometry. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the same operating mechanism to work with different arc-extinguishing chamber sizes and configurations, providing both compactness and adaptability.
3Reliability
If a thermomagnetic tripping mechanism with transmission structure is added for protection, then short-circuit and overload protection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermomagnetic tripping mechanism directly with the operating mechanism. The tripping mechanism shares common components and mounting structures with the operating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate transmission structures. This merging reduces overall structural complexity and space occupation while maintaining both protection function and operating function.
4Area of stationary object
If the moving contact mechanism rotating shaft and operating mechanism are arranged vertically, then space is saved horizontally, but the arc-extinguishing chamber can only be located on the side in horizontal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to position the arc-extinguishing chamber above the moving contact mechanism, rather than being constrained to horizontal positioning. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement frees up horizontal space while providing adequate room for the arc-extinguishing chamber in the vertical direction, resolving the positioning constraint.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, in particular to an operating mechanism of a circuit breaker. The operating mechanism includes a support, a rocker arm assembly, a jump catch, a lock catch and a re-buckling unit that are arranged rotatably on the support respectively, a first crank, an energy storage spring, a slide rail fixed with respect to the support, a slider, a first link, a second link, a second crank arranged rotatably around a sixth center, a third link and a third crank that is arranged rotatably around a seventh center; and the third crank is located on one side of the operating mechanism in a horizontal direction of the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism can be switched among three operating states without connecting a contact system, and can change the layout of the contact system and provide a larger installation space for an arc-extinguishing chamber.