Circuit Breaker Display Interface for Service Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching apparatus, such as molded case circuit breakers, face increased service times due to the inability to view and adjust electronic features without disconnecting the interface assembly, which hinders access to adjustment knobs.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switching apparatus with a display apparatus that allows the magnitude of electrical rating settings to be visible externally through ports and windows, eliminating the need to disconnect the interface assembly for viewing and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an interface assembly including a rotary handle is connected with the main housing of the circuit breaker, then the circuit breaker can be operated manually, but the adjustment knobs become unable to be viewed and adjusted, increasing service times
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly is divided into a first portion (rotary handle) and a second portion (adjustment knobs), allowing the rotary handle to be positioned at a first location for manual operation while the adjustment knobs are positioned at a second location for visibility and access, resolving the conflict between operational capability and service time
2Reliability
If the interface assembly is connected with the main housing, then the circuit breaker structure is complete and secure, but the adjustment knobs are hidden and inaccessible without disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly extends in multiple spatial dimensions from the main housing, with the rotary handle positioned at a first location and adjustment knobs at a second location, utilizing dimensional arrangement to provide both structural integrity and simultaneous accessibility of control elements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adjustment knobs are placed inside the housing for protection, then they are secure from tampering, but they cannot be viewed or adjusted without disconnecting the interface assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly acts as an intermediary structure that provides protected access to adjustment knobs through a designated access point, allowing operators to adjust settings without fully disconnecting the assembly, thus preventing tampering while reducing service time
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical switching apparatus includes a body and a display apparatus. The body has a housing, a handle partially extending through the housing, separable contacts located within the housing, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a main printed circuit board located within the housing, and a number of electrical rating settings associated with the main printed circuit board. Each of the number of electrical rating settings has a magnitude. The display apparatus is electrically connected to the main printed circuit board and is structured to display the magnitude of at least one of the number of electrical rating settings.