Circuit Breaker Holder Module Two-Stage Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling methods for circuit breakers, particularly low-voltage circuit breakers, to receiving modules in control cabinets lack efficiency and clarity, with complex wiring and unreliable connections, especially during the initial communication and primary circuit isolation stages.
Innovation Solution
A receiving module with two distinct receiving positions, where in the first position, communication is established without primary circuit connection, and in the second position, both primary and communication circuits are connected, allowing for secure and direct electrical conductive links, facilitated by a holding mechanism and spring-loaded contact elements for compact and reliable coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plug-in technology or slide-in technology is used to couple the circuit breaker to the receiving module, then the electrical connection is established directly, but the complexity of the coupling process increases and reliability decreases during intermediate stages
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first receiving position where only communication contact elements are connected, and a second receiving position where both communication and primary circuit contact elements are connected. This segmentation allows the coupling process to be divided into manageable steps, improving reliability by ensuring proper connection establishment while reducing the complexity of the overall coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication contact elements are designed to be connected in advance during the first receiving position, before the primary circuit contact elements are connected. This preliminary action allows communication and control functions to be established prior to full power connection, enhancing safety and simplifying the coupling process by providing an intermediate stable state.
2Ease of operation
If the circuit breaker is mechanically coupled via crank with withdrawable technology, then the mechanical coupling is achieved, but the electrical conductive connection between primary circuit contact elements is delayed until the final position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into two parts: communication contact elements that connect during the first receiving position, and primary circuit contact elements that connect during the second receiving position. This segmentation ensures that mechanical coupling ease is maintained through the crank mechanism while electrical connection reliability is improved by establishing communication connections before full power connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication contact elements are designed to establish electrical connection in advance during the first receiving position, before the primary circuit contact elements are connected in the second position. This preliminary electrical connection ensures reliable communication and control before full power coupling, improving overall connection reliability while maintaining ease of mechanical operation.
3Loss of information
If individual wiring is used to connect circuit breaker accessory modules to evaluation units, then communication is established, but the cabling complexity increases and error potential rises
Solution Approach 1:
The communication contact elements are merged with the primary circuit contact elements into a single integrated coupling interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate individual wiring between circuit breaker accessory modules and evaluation units, as communication connections are automatically established through the integrated contact elements during the first receiving position, thereby reducing cabling complexity and error potential while maintaining communication reliability.
4Productivity
If the primary circuit contact elements are connected immediately during mechanical coupling, then full electrical connection is achieved, but the safety and controllability during installation and testing are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into two stages: a first receiving position where only communication contact elements are connected, and a second receiving position where both communication and primary circuit contact elements are connected. This segmentation improves installation safety by allowing communication and control to be established before full power connection, while maintaining productivity through the efficient two-position coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication contact elements are connected in advance during the first receiving position, before the primary circuit contact elements are connected. This preliminary action enhances installation safety and controllability by enabling communication and diagnostic functions before full power coupling, while the overall coupling process remains efficient through the defined two-position sequence.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The module (2) has a communication counter contact element (8) arranged against a primary circuit counter contact element such that a communication contact element of a circuit breaker (1) is connected with the communication counter contact element in an electrically conductive manner in an accommodating position of the circuit breaker. The primary circuit counter contact element is not connected with a primary circuit contact element (3) of the circuit breaker. The counter contact elements are connected with the respective contact elements in another accommodating position. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a circuit breaker system comprising accommodating module (2) a method for coupling a power switch with an accommodating module.