Circuit Breaker Fixing Device Segmented Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for circuit breakers in electrical panels are cumbersome and pose safety risks during removal and testing, as they require makeshift surfaces and extension cables for auxiliary function tests, and can be difficult to handle due to weight and expose operators to live electrical parts.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with retaining means and actuating mechanisms that securely constrain the circuit breaker to the base in both insertion and removal positions, allowing for safe electrical disconnection and easy handling, featuring offset retaining bars, jaws, and an actuating button for controlled locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the circuit breaker is completely removed from the base for auxiliary function testing, then the testing can be performed, but makeshift surfaces and extension cables are required, increasing device complexity and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidmakeshift arrangements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into a stationary part fixed to the panel and a movable part that can be detached. The movable part includes the circuit breaker insertion seat and can be positioned in multiple locations, eliminating the need for complete removal and makeshift surfaces while maintaining testing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable base part acts as an intermediary between the circuit breaker and the stationary base. This movable part can be detached and repositioned to provide testing surfaces close to the circuit breaker, eliminating the need for extension cables and external makeshift arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the circuit breaker is completely removed from the base, then auxiliary function testing is enabled, but operators are exposed to live electrical parts, increasing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidelectrical shock risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable base part containing the circuit breaker insertion seat is extracted from the stationary base. This allows the circuit breaker to remain electrically connected while being physically accessible for testing, eliminating exposure to live parts in the stationary base

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable base part serves as an intermediary that carries the circuit breaker away from the stationary base with live electrical parts. This intermediary structure provides a safe working distance while maintaining electrical connections, preventing operator exposure to hazardous voltages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the circuit breaker is completely removed from the base, then auxiliary function testing is possible, but heavy switches require support tables, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidsupport infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into stationary and movable parts. The movable part can be positioned at different heights and locations, providing built-in support for the circuit breaker during testing without requiring external support tables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable base part serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the circuit breaker, enables electrical connections, and offers a stable surface for auxiliary function testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support tables and extension cables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2019406B1Fixing device for a circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2010.05.26 BTICINO
  • EP2019406B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2019406B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2019406B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A fixing device (4) for circuit breakers (8), in particular for moulded case electrical circuit breakers, a base for circuit breakers and a circuit breaker group. The fixing device allows both the removal and the extraction of the circuit breaker so as to run operating tests of the circuit breaker without the need of having to arrange the circuit breaker on makeshift surfaces and without using extension cables of various types.