Circuit Breaker Automatic Spring Energy Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers require manual intervention to release the energy stored in the closing spring during withdrawal operations, posing a risk of accidents due to maintenance errors or operational mistakes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an interlock operation rail and interlock members with a return spring, which automatically activate the closing and trip latches at specific positions, allowing for the automatic discharge of the closing spring energy during withdrawal, preventing unintended re-closure operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to release closing spring energy during withdrawal operations, then operational control is maintained, but safety risks increase due to potential maintenance errors or operational mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically releases closing spring energy through the interlock mechanism when the circuit breaker is withdrawn from the cradle, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The interlock member engages with the interlock operation rail to automatically operate the closing latch and trip latch, discharging spring energy without human action.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism is pre-configured to automatically discharge closing spring energy before the withdrawal operation is completed. By positioning the interlock member to engage with the interlock operation rail at specific positions, the system ensures energy release is performed in advance, preventing accidental re-closure during subsequent operations.
2Reliability
If automatic energy release mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved by eliminating manual intervention risks, but device complexity increases due to additional interlock components
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock member serves multiple functions: it engages with the interlock operation rail to detect breaker position, automatically operates both the closing latch and trip latch, and coordinates the discharge of both closing spring and trip spring energy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing latch operation mechanism and trip latch operation mechanism are merged into a single interlock member that interacts with the interlock operation rail. This consolidation integrates multiple energy release functions into one coordinated mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
3Extent of automation
If the interlock member operates closing and trip latches at sections other than disconnected, test and connected positions, then automatic energy discharge is achieved during withdrawal, but precision of position control must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock operation rail features locally differentiated geometries at specific positions (disconnected, test, connected) that correspond to different operational states. The interlock member is designed to engage with these localized features, ensuring that energy discharge occurs only at the appropriate withdrawal position while maintaining precise position control through the tailored engagement geometry.
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
Ensures user safety by automatically releasing the closing spring energy during withdrawal, eliminating the risk of accidental re-closure and enhancing operational safety by preventing unknown re-insertion scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an interlock member (40, 50) configured to operate the closing latch (34) and the trip latch (35) while moving up and down by interlocking with the relative motion of the interlock operation rail (70)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker equipped with an energy release device of a switching mechanism, and particularly, to a circuit breaker equipped with an energy release device that allows energy of a closing spring of a switching mechanism to be automatically discharged at the time of a withdrawal operation.