Circuit Breaker Position Adjustment via Continuous Threaded Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit breaker adjustment mechanisms provide limited and non-continuous movement, leading to potential misalignment and inadvertent positional changes over time, which can affect the reliability and efficiency of circuit breaker operations.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical base with an adjustment plate and a continuous adjustment member that allows for precise and continuous movement of the circuit breaker within an enclosure, enabling improved alignment and positioning with respect to other operating components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the circuit breaker can be positioned, but the adjustment is limited and non-continuous, leading to potential misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-position adjustment mechanism into a dynamic, continuous adjustment system. The threaded rod allows the circuit breaker to be positioned at any point along its travel path, enabling fine-tuned alignment rather than being constrained to discrete positions. This dynamic adjustment capability simultaneously improves positioning precision and extends the effective adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the adjustment parameter from discrete, limited steps to continuous variable positioning through the threaded rod mechanism. By rotating the threaded rod, the circuit breaker can be moved incrementally along the entire length of the rod, providing continuous adjustment of the positioning parameter rather than fixed incremental steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fixed positioning is used, then the circuit breaker is stable, but inadvertent positional changes can occur over time or with movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning action during the adjustment process. The threaded rod mechanism allows operators to pre-adjust the circuit breaker to the exact desired position before final tightening, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance. This preliminary precise positioning prevents subsequent misalignment and maintains position stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces simple mechanical fastening with a threaded mechanical adjustment system. The threaded rod provides both adjustment capability and locking function, substituting for more complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining position stability through the self-locking nature of threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If limited adjustment mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but continuous or fine adjustment is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment smoothnessVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rod creates a dynamic adjustment system where continuous rotation translates to continuous linear movement of the circuit breaker. This provides smooth, incremental adjustment without jerky or discontinuous movements, making the adjustment process easy to operate while achieving high alignment precision through fine control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's rotational input and the circuit breaker's linear positional change. This intermediary converts easy-to-perform rotational motion into precise linear adjustment, improving ease of operation while maintaining high alignment precision through the mechanical advantage of the thread geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2874253B1Circuit breaker position adjustment system
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP2874253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2874253B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2874253B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system for adjusting the position of a circuit breaker is provided. The system allows for translation of the circuit breaker with respect to a support base and interfacing mechanisms, such as those that serve to switch the circuit breaker between its operative states. Adjustment is afforded by an adjustment plate fitted to the support base and that moves with the circuit breaker. Slots through the support base allow for movement of the plate and circuit breaker. A threaded member allows for continuous movement of the plate and circuit breaker for accurate positioning.