Circuit Breaker Space Allocation via Interior Wall Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space constraints within conventional electronic residual current circuit breakers (eRCBOs) affect the optimal allocation and functionality of components, necessitating improved space management.
Innovation Solution
A compact circuit breaker design with a single pole module that includes an interior wall dividing the space into RCD and MCB sides, featuring a printed circuit board with a trip solenoid and lever mechanism for tripping, and accommodating electromagnetic, arc distinguishing, and thermal protection devices, allowing for efficient use of space and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the housing is divided into equal or unequal sections with interior walls, then space allocation is structured and components can be organized, but the available space for each section is reduced and space utilization efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first section for the RCD and a second section for the MCB pole, with each section further segmented into functional areas (current path regions, lever mechanism, trip solenoid, electromagnetic device, arc distinguishing device, thermal protection device). This segmentation allows organized component placement while optimizing space utilization within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space optimization by arranging components in multiple dimensions within the housing. The interior wall creates vertical separation, while current path regions and component placements optimize horizontal and depth dimensions, achieving efficient space utilization without excessive subdivision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protection devices (electromagnetic, arc distinguishing, thermal) are integrated into the MCB pole side, then comprehensive protection functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protection functions (electromagnetic, arc distinguishing, thermal) are merged into a single integrated MCB pole assembly within the housing. These devices are combined in the second section, sharing common structural support and coordination mechanisms, thereby achieving comprehensive protection while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCB pole side is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides electromagnetic protection, arc distinguishing, and thermal protection. This universal design allows a single component assembly to perform multiple protection functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each protection type.
3Length of stationary object
If the circuit breaker maintains compact dimensions (125mm height, 18mm width, 70mm depth), then installation space is minimized, but component functionality and space for necessary protection devices are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested within the compact housing structure, with the interior wall creating nested sections. The trip solenoid, lever mechanism, and protection devices are arranged in nested configurations that maximize space utilization while maintaining compact external dimensions. Current path regions are nested within the available volume of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensional parameters of the housing and internal components to achieve compact size. By carefully selecting and adjusting dimensions (125mm height, 18mm width, 70mm depth) and component placements, the design maintains reliability while minimizing overall size for installation efficiency.
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 design optimizes space allocation, enabling effective overcurrent and short-circuit protection while maintaining compact dimensions, enhancing the functionality and performance of the circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
a printed circuit board with a trip solenoid and lever mechanism for tripping
Data Source
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AI summary
A single pole module (110) of a circuit breaker (100) is disclosed. The module (110) includes a first portion (200) and a second portion (300), and an interior wall (111) separating the first portion (200) from the second portion (300). The first portion (200) includes a first section (103) receiving a circuit board (201) and a second section (105) receiving a lever mechanism (207). The second portion (300) includes a first section (106) receiving an electromagnetic protection device (306), a second section (107) receiving an arc extinguishing device (307), a third section (108) receiving a thermal protection device (308), and a fourth section (109) receiving an operating mechanism (302). The first and second sections (103, 105) of the first portion (200) occupy substantially half of the module (110) and the first, second, third and fourth sections (106, 107, 108, 109) of the second portion (300) occupy substantially half of the module (110) and the second section (105) of the first portion (200) and the third and fourth sections (108, 109) of the second portion (300) are disposed opposite each other.