Modular Circuit Breaker Spacer System for Compact Arc Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-voltage multipole circuit breakers face limitations in modularity, size optimization, and assembly complexity due to their double enclosure architecture, particularly in achieving balanced electric performance and compact design while ensuring safety from arc flashovers.
Innovation Solution
A modular low-voltage multipole circuit breaker design featuring a spacer system that allows for flexible assembly and interchangeability of trip devices, with a central partition and end part that secure breaking units and facilitate gas exhaust, using moulded plastic spacers to maintain compact dimensions and optimize electrical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional double enclosure architecture is used with single-pole breaking cartridges, then manufacturing and storage costs are reduced due to modularity, but the width of the circuit breaker increases and the pitch between poles becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is divided into independent single-pole breaking cartridges that can be assembled in series within a common enclosure. Each cartridge is a self-contained module with its own breaking mechanism, allowing flexible configuration while maintaining compact dimensions through standardized spacing and arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If rotary double breaking is used to limit width, then the width is reduced, but the vertical offset of the nose location increases, requiring asymmetric front plates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rotary double breaking that offsets the nose vertically, the invention uses linear series arrangement of single-pole cartridges where the common enclosure and front plate remain symmetric. The breaking action occurs linearly within each cartridge rather than rotating, eliminating the need for asymmetric positioning while maintaining compact width.
3Ease of operation
If direct rear plug-in connections are used between trip device and breaking device, then connection simplicity is improved, but electric performance limits are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a standardized terminal strip system as an intermediary between the trip device and breaking cartridges. This mediator provides robust electrical connections with proper spacing and insulation, achieving both connection simplicity through standardization and superior electric performance through optimized contact geometry and material selection.
4Area of stationary object
If the exhaust outlet is placed close to the circuit breaker, then compact design is achieved, but safety risk increases due to proximity to terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust outlet for arc gases is extracted and positioned at the far end of the common enclosure, away from the terminal areas. This separation ensures that harmful arc gases are directed to a safe discharge location, maintaining compact overall dimensions while eliminating the safety risk of placing exhaust close to electrical terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to take maximum advantage of the modularity provided by a multipole circuit breaker (100) with double enclosure, a new architecture is proposed. A part of the outer case (48) of the switchgear apparatus is formed directly when assembly of the breaking device (600) is performed by juxtaposition and securing between single-pole breaking units (10), spacers (46) and side walls (50). It is thus possible to use the spacers (46) for various functionalities, and in particular to modify the external aspect of the switchgear apparatus (100) or the nature of the trip device in delayed manner.