Electromagnetic Circuit Breaker with Integrated Control Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic circuit breakers with auxiliary switches lack a compact design for external control, requiring separate mechanisms for actuation and indication, which complicates their structure and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic circuit breaker with a control assembly that includes both switch and control terminals within a single switch case, allowing for external actuation and indication, thereby eliminating the need for a two-pole design and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-pole circuit breaker design is used to provide both electromagnetic tripping and external control functions, then the circuit breaker can perform multiple functions, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic main assembly and control assembly into a single integrated structure. Both assemblies share common components including a single movable contact, stationary contact, linkage mechanism, and housing. The electromagnetic main assembly receives power through main terminals while the control assembly receives power through control terminals, but both control the same circuit breaker mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circuit breaker mechanism serves dual purposes: it can be actuated by the electromagnetic main assembly for automatic tripping based on electrical conditions, and simultaneously controlled by the control assembly for external control applications. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require two separate circuit breakers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are provided for electromagnetic actuation and external control, then each function can be independently optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic main assembly and control assembly into a unified structure where both assemblies share the same movable contact, stationary contact, linkage mechanism, and housing. This integration reduces structural complexity while maintaining independent control capabilities through separate terminal connections.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented with integrated switch case, then the device size is reduced, but terminal organization and accessibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges terminals in different spatial dimensions and orientations on the housing. Main terminals and control terminals are positioned at different locations and angles, allowing multiple connection points to be accommodated on a compact device without interfering with each other. This multi-dimensional terminal arrangement maintains accessibility while achieving device compactness.
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 a compact design that integrates actuation and indication functions, enabling remote tripping and improved protection against unintentional electrical contact, while maintaining the ability to respond to electrical overloads, thus simplifying the circuit breaker's structure and enhancing its operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic main assembly for actuating said circuit breaker assembly upon the occurrence of predetermined electrical conditions
Implementation Method 2
a control assembly is provided for actuating said circuit breaker assembly upon an external electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An electromagnetic circuit breaker comprising a main case (4), a pair of contacts (2, 3) enclosed by said main case (4), a circuit breaker assembly (9) to move one of the contacts (2, 3) between a closed position and an open position an electromagnetic main assembly (38) for actuating said circuit breaker assembly upon the occurrence of predetermined electrical conditions, and an auxiliary switch (23) responsive to movements of said circuit breaker assembly (38) for indicating whether said contacts (2, 3) are open or closed, wherein the auxiliary switch (23) has switch terminals (24, 25, 26), characterized in, that a control assembly (54) is provided for actuating said circuit breaker assembly (38) upon an external electrical signal, wherein said control assembly (54) has control terminals (27, 28) and that a switch case (20) is provided carrying said switch terminals (24, 25, 26) and said control terminals (27, 28).