Circuit Breaker Lever Merging OFF and Reset Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern circuit breakers require a separate and distinct RESET-position for the operating lever, which can be confusing for operators and requires a significant force to reset the latching mechanism, leading to operator strain and potential confusion about the operational state.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates the OFF-position and RESET-position, using a toggle lever and tension lever mechanism to reset the latching mechanism during the movement into the OFF-position, eliminating the need for a separate RESET-position and reducing the required force, allowing for a more straightforward and safer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate RESET-position is provided for the operating lever, then the latching mechanism can be reset, but the operation becomes confusing and requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the OFF-position and RESET-position into a single position. When the operating lever is moved to the OFF-position, the latching mechanism is automatically reset through the mechanical connection between the operating lever and the latching mechanism. This eliminates the need for a separate RESET-position, reducing operator confusion and the force required to operate the circuit breaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The OFF-position of the operating lever serves dual functions: it opens the electrical contacts (OFF-function) and simultaneously resets the latching mechanism (RESET-function). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated RESET-position, simplifying the operation and reducing the force required.
2Reliability
If the operating lever is moved into a separate RESET-position, then the latching mechanism is reset, but the force required is quite large causing operator strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reset function with the OFF-position movement. The mechanical connection between the operating lever and the latching mechanism ensures that the force applied to move the operating lever to the OFF-position is sufficient to reset the latching mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate high-force reset operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is reset in advance during the movement to the OFF-position, before any subsequent ON-position operation is attempted. This preliminary reset action ensures that the circuit breaker is ready for the next operation without requiring additional force from the operator.
3Reliability
If a separate RESET-position is provided, then the latching mechanism can be reset, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RESET-position with the OFF-position, reducing the number of distinct positions the operating lever must occupy. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to reset the latching mechanism through the mechanical connection between the operating lever and the latching mechanism.
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
This integration simplifies the operation, reduces operator strain, enhances safety by ensuring the latching mechanism is reset automatically during normal operation, and allows for a more compact design without a separate RESET-position, improving the overall convenience and safety of the circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
at the toggle lever shaft and the tension bolt, forces are exerted onto the operating lever by the upper toggle lever and the tension lever respectively such that the resulting torque drives the operating lever into its OFF-position
Implementation Method 2
the latching mechanism comprises an upper toggle lever being mechanically connected to the operating lever at a toggle lever shaft, a tension lever being mechanically connected to the operating lever at a tension bolt
Implementation Method 3
at least one spring element holding the operating lever in its OFF-position after a movement of the operating lever into its OFF-position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention is related to a method for operating a circuit breaker (1), the circuit breaker (1) comprising an operating lever (10), a latching mechanism (20) and an electrical contact system (30) with a movable contact (31) and a fixed contact (32), wherein the operating lever (10) is movable into an ON-position and an OFF-position (11), wherein further the operating lever (10) is mechanically connected to the electrical contact system (30) via the latching mechanism (20) such that when the operating lever (10) is in its OFF-position (11) the contacts (31, 32) of the electrical contact system (30) are opened and that when the operating lever (10) is in its ON-position the contacts (31, 32) of the electrical contact system (30) are closed. Further, the invention is related to a circuit breaker (1).