Circuit Breaker Trip Button Mechanism Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing trip button mechanism for externally operable handles of circuit breakers is prone to separation due to the resilience of the elastic member, leading to increased manufacturing costs and decreased assembling efficiency due to the complexity of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified trip button mechanism with a button support, an externally operable trip button, and an elastic member, where the trip button and pusher are formed in one piece, allowing for easier assembly and reliable operation by preventing the elastic member from separating and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (pushing plate, elastic member, trip button) are used in the trip button mechanism, then the elastic member can provide resilient force, but the components are prone to separation and the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pushing plate and trip button into a single integrated component. The pushing plate forms an integral part of the trip button structure, eliminating the need for separate elastic members and reducing the number of components that can separate during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pushing plate-trip button component performs multiple functions: it provides the pushing action, maintains elastic resilience through its own structural design, and serves as the trip button interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the trip button mechanism, then the elastic member can be replaced individually, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the pushing plate and trip button into one molded component, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of assembling multiple separate parts, a single injection molding process produces the integrated component, significantly improving assembling efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter from multiple discrete components to a single integrated component. This parameter change transforms the manufacturing approach from multi-step assembly to single-step molding, improving productivity and reducing the quantity of substance (number of parts) from 3+ components to 1 component.
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 mechanism ensures reliable operation and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the assembly process and maintaining the integrity of the elastic member within the button support, enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member applying an elastic force to the externally operable trip button in a direction opposite to a direction in which the externally operable trip button pushes the circuit breaker trip button
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a trip button mechanism of an external handle for a circuit breaker. The trip button mechanism includes a button support, an externally operable trip button, and an elastic member. The button support is disposed at an outer casing of the externally operable handle and exposed through a penetration hole of the outer casing. The externally operable trip button includes a handle exposed through the penetration hole and a pusher in one piece with the handle. The pusher is movable along the button support for pushing a circuit breaker trip button. The elastic member applies a force to the externally operable trip button in a direction opposite to a direction in which the externally operable trip button pushes the circuit breaker trip button. Therefore, the trip button mechanism can be easily assembled to increase productivity and decrease manufacturing costs, and the trip button mechanism can be reliably operated.