Circuit Breaker Trip Reset Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trip and reset assemblies for circuit breakers are inefficient, requiring separate reset actuators and high energy for tripping, which can be costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A trip and reset assembly with a combined actuator that moves a plunger between positions to engage and disengage the trip bar, reducing energy requirements and integrating the trip and reset functions into a single mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate reset actuator is used for a flux shunt trip actuator, then the reset function can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trip actuator and reset actuator into a single integrated actuator assembly. The flux shunt trip actuator includes a movable arm that serves both as the trip actuator's moving component and as the reset actuator's operating element. The reset button directly actuates the movable arm to reset the flux shunt, eliminating the need for a separate reset mechanism while maintaining reliable trip and reset functions.
2Extent of automation
If a flux shunt trip actuator is used, then electronic trip detection is enabled, but high energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flux shunt trip actuator uses periodic magnetic field generation through the coil rather than continuous power consumption. The coil is energized only when tripping is required, creating a temporary magnetic field that actuates the movable arm. The flux shunt retains its magnetic properties after actuation, allowing the mechanism to remain in the tripped state without continuous energy input, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining electronic trip detection capability.
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 solution simplifies the trip and reset process, reducing energy consumption and operational complexity while maintaining effective circuit breaker functionality.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic trip mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a flux shunt trip actuator
Implementation Method 2
a flux shunt trip actuator which is structured to move the plunger from a first position, wherein the trip bar interface engages the trip bar, to a second position, wherein the actuator interface engages the plunger
Data Source
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AI summary
A trip and reset assembly (80) is provided. The trip and reset assembly (80) includes a trip and reset actuator mounting (84) and a trip and reset actuator (82). The trip and reset actuator (82) is structured to move the plunger (54) from the first position to the second position. The trip and reset actuator mounting (84) includes a body (86) defining a trip and reset actuator pivot coupling first component (88). The trip and reset actuator (82) includes an elongated body (90) with a pivot coupling second component (114), an actuator interface (98), a trip bar interface (100) and a reset interface (110). The trip and reset actuator body (90) is movably coupled to the trip and reset actuator mounting (84) and is movable between a first position, wherein the trip bar interface (100) engages the trip bar (48), and a second position, wherein the actuator interface (98) engages the plunger (54).