Circuit Breaker Test Button Hiding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional residual current circuit breakers face challenges in preventing accidental activation of the test button when the handle is actuated, leading to potential operator injury and space constraints for labeling due to the limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
The test button is arranged in the direct pivoting area of the handle's OFF position, and a blocking mechanism, such as a pin or recess, is used to lock the handle in the ON position when the test button is depressed, ensuring it cannot snap back, and a spring mechanism is employed to keep the test button operable only when the handle is in the ON position, allowing it to protrude for easy operation and retract for space-saving when in the OFF position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the test button is placed close to the handle to maximize labeling space, then the available space for inscriptions is increased, but the risk of accidental activation when the handle is actuated increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is positioned to prevent the handle from moving to the OFF position when the test button is depressed. This preliminary blocking action prevents the harmful snapping back effect before it can occur, allowing the test button to be safely positioned close to the handle for space optimization
2Volume of stationary object
If the test button is arranged in the direct pivoting area of the handle to save space, then the installation space is optimized, but the handle may snap back and injure the operator when the test button is pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is pre-positioned to intercept and prevent the handle's snapping back motion before it can contact the operator's fingers. This allows the test button to be located in the direct pivoting area of the handle, optimizing installation space while eliminating the injury hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the handle and the test button mechanism. It mediates the interaction by preventing the handle from moving into a position that would cause injury, while still allowing the test button to be positioned close to the handle for compact design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking element is added to prevent handle snapping back, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is merged with the existing handle mechanism and test button assembly. It integrates into the pivoting structure without requiring separate mounting or complex actuation systems, thus improving safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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
This design prevents accidental activation of the test button when the handle is actuated, reduces the risk of operator injury, and optimizes space for labeling by ensuring the test button is only operable when the handle is in the ON position, enhancing the compact design and safety of the circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
a spring presses the test button in its OFF position when the handle is in its ON position
Implementation Method 2
The handle has a rotatable roller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a fault-current circuit breaker or residual-current circuit breaker a test button (16, 16') is arranged in the pivoting region of the handle (14), which can be used to switch the circuit breaker on and off. Said test button is in particular arranged in such a way that it is at least partially hidden from the operator by the handle (14) in the OFF position of the handle (14), in which case it is not necessary for it to be capable of being actuated. As a result of this compact design, space for labelling on a control surface (12) of the fault-current circuit breaker (10) is provided.