Circuit Breaker Coupling Device for Non-Concentric Handle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for circuit breakers face reliability issues due to assembly tolerance, leading to incomplete transmission of rotational force when the outer handle assembly and inner handle are not concentric, resulting in potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a third coupler that transmits rotational force perpendicular to the shaft direction, utilizing sliding protrusions with curved surfaces to ensure force transmission even when the handles are not concentric, and a compression coil spring for alignment support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling assembly with key portion and key groove is used, then the structure is simple, but the rotational force transmission is incomplete when handles are not concentric
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into three separate couplers (first, second, and third couplers) that work together. The third coupler acts as an intermediary between the first and second couplers, allowing each component to have a simpler structure while collectively achieving reliable rotational force transmission even when handles are not concentric.
Solution Approach 2:
The third coupler serves as an intermediary component between the first coupler (connected to outer handle assembly) and the second coupler (connected to inner handle). This intermediary allows for accommodation of misalignment and ensures complete rotational force transmission despite non-concentric positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If assembly tolerance is considered with a gap between key portion and key groove, then assembly is easier, but rotational force transmission becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly has different functional zones: the first and second couplers provide structural connection points, while the third coupler specifically provides the force transmission path. This local differentiation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring complete force transmission while maintaining assembly tolerance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer handle assembly and inner handle are not concentric, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the key portion detaches from the key groove causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is designed to dynamically adapt to non-concentric positioning through the third coupler, which can accommodate angular and positional variations. This dynamic capability allows the assembly to maintain reliable rotational force transmission across a range of misalignment conditions without causing key portion detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coupling device for a circuit breaker. A third coupler formed as a curved surface is provided between a first coupler coupled to an outer handle assembly, and a second coupler coupled to an inner handle. Under such configuration, even if the inner handle and the outer handle assembly are not concentric with each other, the third coupler may transmit a rotational force applied to the first coupler to the second coupler in a direction perpendicular to a shaft direction of the second coupler, in a state where the third coupler is inclined from an upper surface of the circuit breaker body. As a result, a user's force to rotate the outer handle can be transmitted to the inner handle. This can prevent a malfunction of the circuit breaker, and thus can enhance reliability of the circuit breaker.