Removable Circuit Breaker Display With Auto-Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit breakers with displays lack flexibility in display usage, often requiring continuous operation without needing a display, and do not adapt information orientation based on the device's position, making it difficult for users to read and customize display content.

Innovation Solution

A removable display for circuit breakers with a sensor to detect orientation and a separate microcontroller for controlling display content, allowing easy installation and removal, and adapting information based on the display's position, along with a second microcontroller for customizable display settings and communication via USB interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed display is integrated into the circuit breaker, then the display is always available, but the device complexity increases and the display cannot be removed when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay availabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented from the main circuit breaker body and made as a separate, removable module. This allows the display to be detached when not needed (reducing complexity) while being available when required (maintaining ease of operation). The display module includes its own mounting structure with lugs that engage with recesses in the circuit breaker housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamic, removable state. The mounting structure incorporates resilient arms with lugs that can be engaged or disengaged from recesses, allowing the display to be easily attached or removed based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the display information is fixed in orientation, then the display structure is simple, but the display is not readable when mounted in different positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereadabilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display utilizes an LCD technology that can change its effective viewing orientation. When the display is rotated or mounted in different positions, the LCD adjusts its display orientation to maintain readability. This allows the display to be readable in any mounting position without requiring complex mechanical orientation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of repair

If the display is removable, then the device complexity is reduced and maintenance is easier, but the display may not be properly oriented or positioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoiddisplay positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure employs asymmetric features including resilient arms with specific lug configurations and corresponding recesses in the housing. This asymmetric design ensures that the display can only be mounted in the correct orientation, preventing improper positioning while maintaining ease of removal for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient mounting arms with lugs provide self-aligning and self-positioning functionality. When the display is inserted, the resilient arms automatically engage with the recesses and orient the display correctly without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor is added to detect display orientation, then the display content can be adapted to position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation detection and adjustment mechanisms with an electronic sensor system. The sensor detects the display's mounting position and sends signals to the control unit, which then electronically adjusts the displayed information orientation. This electronic approach is simpler and more reliable than mechanical solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4165670B1Circuit breaker, removable display, and electronic trigger unit for a circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4165670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit breaker for a low-voltage circuit having input and output terminals for conductors of the low-voltage circuit, wherein, within the circuit breaker, the low-voltage circuit can be interrupted or closed. The circuit breaker also has a current sensor which determines the level of the electrical current in the low-voltage circuit and is connected to an electronic trigger unit which has a display for displaying information and interrupts the low-voltage circuit if current limit values or current-time limit values are exceeded. The display is designed to be removable.