Circuit Breaker Time Delay Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time delay output apparatuses for circuit breakers require large masses to generate delays, leading to increased size and vulnerability to malfunctions due to reduced inertia from vibrations, causing premature signal output and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A compact time delay output apparatus design that eliminates the need for a large mass by using a reset plate and delay member with a coiled tension spring, pivot shaft, and stopper to maintain a preset time delay without relying on inertia, ensuring stable operation and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mass is used to generate time delay by inertia, then a preset time delay can be achieved, but the device size increases and reliability decreases due to vibration-induced malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mass component from the time delay mechanism entirely. Instead of using a mass that generates delay through inertia, the invention extracts the timing function and implements it through a combination of a lever, spring, and switch mechanism that achieves the same time delay effect without requiring a mass, thereby reducing device size and eliminating vibration-related reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the inertia-based mechanical time delay system with a spring-based mechanical system. The spring provides the necessary delay through its expansion and contraction characteristics rather than through the inertia of a moving mass. This substitution maintains the time delay function while eliminating the problems associated with mass-based inertia mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If a mass is used to generate time delay, then preset delay time can be achieved, but construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mass component from the mechanism, simplifying the construction by removing the need for precise mass calibration and assembly. The time delay function is achieved through the spring's mechanical properties and the geometric arrangement of the lever and switch, which are simpler to construct and maintain than a mass-based inertia system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for time delay from mass (inertia) to spring constant and geometry. By adjusting spring properties and component dimensions rather than mass, the time delay can be precisely controlled through simpler manufacturing parameters, reducing construction complexity while maintaining delay precision.
3Reliability
If a mass is used for time delay, then delay function is achieved, but the device is vulnerable to vibration-induced malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mass entirely from the time delay mechanism, eliminating the source of vibration susceptibility. Without a moving mass, the device cannot experience the same inertial forces during vibration, thereby improving reliability in vibratory environments while naturally reducing the weight of moving objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the inertia-based mechanism with a spring-based mechanism that is inherently more resistant to vibration. The spring system maintains its functional characteristics under vibrational stress better than a mass-based system, as it relies on elastic deformation rather than inertial forces, thereby improving anti-vibration reliability.
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 simplifies construction, reduces size, enhances operational reliability by preventing malfunctions caused by vibrations, and ensures consistent time delay signaling, improving the circuit breaker's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled tension spring
Implementation Method 2
pivot shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A time delay output apparatus for a circuit breaker includes a switch disposed at one side of a main shaft rotatable in directions to open/close a fixed contactor and a movable contactor, and a delay member disposed between the main shaft and the switch so as to operate the switch with a preset time delay, thereby simplifying the construction and reducing the size as well as enhancing operational reliability by stably obtaining a time delay.