Circuit Breaker Key Lock Linear Motion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key lock devices for circuit breakers suffer from reliability issues due to deformation of synthetic resin covers, leading to gaps between lock members and connection links, and require large installation spaces for effective locking.
Innovation Solution
A key lock device with a linearly movable lock member supported by a spring, featuring a hook mechanism that restricts connection links by rotating and using multiple key bodies to enhance reliability and reduce installation space by fixing onto a panel rather than a cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the key lock device is attached to the cover made of synthetic resin, then the installation is simple, but the deformation of the cover generates gaps between the lock member and connection link, deteriorating the reliability of the locked state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a panel as an intermediary component between the cover and the key lock device. The panel is fixed to the cover and provides a stable mounting surface for the key lock device, isolating it from the deformation issues of the synthetic resin cover. This mediator structure allows the lock member to maintain reliable contact with the connection link while preserving the simplicity of cover-based installation.
2Reliability
If the lock member is rotated to restrict the movement of the connection link, then the locking function is achieved, but a large installation space equal to the rotation radius of the lock member is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the lock member to achieve locking, the patent inverts the mechanism: the hook rotates and pulls the lock member linearly along the guide groove. This linear movement along a constrained path achieves the same locking function while requiring significantly less installation space, as the lock member does not need clearance for rotational arc movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement dimension of the lock member from rotational (requiring radial space) to linear along a guide groove (requiring only axial space). By constraining the lock member to move only in the direction of the guide groove, the mechanism achieves locking functionality with minimized installation footprint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the reliability of the locked state and reduces installation space by ensuring stable contact between lock members and connection links, maintaining the circuit breaker in an off state until the lock is released, thereby improving operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (299) elastically supporting the lock member (290)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a key lock device for a circuit breaker configuring a lock member for preventing a connection link from being moved to be linearly movable, thereby enabling to enhance the reliability in a locked state, as well as reducing an installation space. Further, the key lock device for the circuit breaker is fixed onto a panel fixed to the upper portion of a switching mechanism, thereby enabling to enhance the reliability of the operation, comparing with the related key lock device fixed to a cover covering the front side of the circuit breaker. Further, the key lock device for the circuit breaker is provided with a plurality of key bodies, and the key bodies are operated at the same time so as to release the circuit breaker from the locked state, thereby enabling to enhance the reliability with respect to the locked state.