Plug-In Circuit Breaker Locking Mechanism for Correct Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plug-in circuit breakers have complex structures that hinder miniaturization and reliability, failing to meet the safety and performance requirements of 5G communication equipment, particularly in terms of easy plug-in and plug-out operations and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in circuit breaker with a simplified structure featuring a locking member and an operating mechanism that includes a button mechanism, a locking protruding stand, and an elastic member, allowing the locking protruding stand to extend and retract to prevent closing or opening operations unless correctly positioned, ensuring secure installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking apparatus with multiple parts is used to prevent circuit breaker insertion/removal in closing state, then the locking function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking member with the button mechanism into a single integrated component. The locking member includes both the button for operation and the locking protrusion for securing the circuit breaker in the cabinet, eliminating the need for separate locking apparatus and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operating button for closing/opening the circuit breaker and as the locking mechanism that prevents removal or insertion in the closing state. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts needed while achieving the desired reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking protrusion extending out of housing is used to prevent incorrect operations, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It extends outward to prevent removal when the circuit breaker is in the closing state, but retracts inward when the button is pressed or when in the opening state, allowing easy insertion and removal. This dynamic behavior ensures safety while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is positioned and configured in advance to automatically engage with the cabinet structure when the circuit breaker is inserted in the closing state, preventing incorrect operations before they can occur. The protrusion is pre-configured to extend at the appropriate moment, ensuring safety without requiring additional operational steps.
3Reliability
If the locking protruding stand is always extended to prevent removal, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protruding stand is designed to move between extended and retracted positions based on the circuit breaker state. This dynamic capability allows the structure to be more compact overall, as the protrusion does not need to maintain a fixed extended position, facilitating miniaturization while still providing reliable prevention of incorrect insertion 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
The solution provides enhanced safety and reliability by preventing incorrect insertion or removal of the circuit breaker, ensuring it is only operated when correctly installed, while maintaining a compact design and facilitating easy insertion and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is connected between the locking member and the housing, the elastic force of the elastic member actuates the locking protruding stand of the locking member to extend out of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in circuit breaker that includes a housing with a limiting hole, a button mechanism having a closing position and an opening position, and an operating mechanism actuated by the button mechanism. The plug-in circuit breaker includes a locking member arranged inside the housing. The locking member has a locking protruding stand opposite the limiting hole. When the button mechanism is in the closing position, the locking protruding stand of the locking member extends out of the limiting hole and limited by the button mechanism. When the button mechanism is in the opening position, the locking protruding stand of the locking member extends out of the limiting hole to apply an external force on the locking member for retraction. The locking protruding stand of the locking member can retract into the housing, and the locking member limits the button mechanism to perform the closing operation.