Circuit Breaker Tripping Mechanism with Integrated Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers face challenges in achieving a compact configuration and high insulation and switching capacity, especially in low-voltage applications, where space is limited and requires efficient tripping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuator unit with a rotating mechanism and a double-arm lever mechanism that resets the tripping unit through a rotational movement, converting energy storage into a magnetic flux to trigger the latch, allowing for efficient tripping and resetting without a continuous power supply, and maintaining a small footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional solenoid armature tripping unit is used, then the tripping function can be achieved, but the device occupies significant space which is not acceptable in compact low-voltage circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tripping unit with the actuator mechanism by integrating the solenoid armature into the existing rotating actuator structure. The solenoid coil is positioned on the actuator shaft, and the armature rotates together with the shaft, eliminating the need for separate tripping unit housing and reducing overall device volume while maintaining tripping reliability through the integrated magnetic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating actuator element for switching operations and the mounting structure for the solenoid coil and armature. The same rotational movement that switches the circuit also resets the tripping unit, combining switching and tripping reset functions into a single mechanical component.
2Ease of operation
If the tripping unit is manually reset after tripping, then the energy storage mechanism can be reused, but the circuit breaker cannot be switched on until resetting is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The tripping unit reset function is integrated into the normal switching operation. When the user rotates the actuator shaft to switch the circuit breaker on, the rotation automatically drives the solenoid armature back to its reset position through the mechanical connection, resetting the tripping unit as a byproduct of the switching action without requiring a separate manual reset step.
3Reliability
If higher insulation and switching capacities are achieved for low-voltage applications, then the circuit breaker performance is improved, but the device size increases which conflicts with compact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a vertical arrangement where the solenoid coil is positioned above the actuator shaft, and the armature extends vertically to engage with the latch mechanism. This vertical orientation allows the magnetic circuit and tripping components to be stacked in the height direction rather than spreading out horizontally, achieving the required insulation distances and switching capacities while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
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 solution enables a compact, efficient, and reliable tripping mechanism that effectively opens and closes contacts, ensuring safe operation and easy reset, suitable for both single-pole and multi-pole circuit breakers, with minimal increase in horizontal dimensions and clear visual indicators for user operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic circuit whose generated magnetic flux overcomes the holding force of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
the solenoid armature (tripping tappet) is held in place by the holding force of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
With the application of deformation work by the pressure spring, the second arm moves the solenoid armature of the energy storage mechanism over to the permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating unit or actuating mechanism and release for a circuit breaker. The magnetic mechanism of the release includes a magnet armature, which can move linearly in a magnet coil, is in the form of a tripping plunger and can be moved towards a permanent magnet counter to the force of a storage compression spring and is held fixedly by said permanent magnet in the case of a magnet coil through which no current is flowing. The tripping unit is in the form of a mechanical force store. After a tripping action, the mechanical force store needs to be reset manually again. For this purpose, a rotary movement of the drive shaft with an angular displacement of from 20 to 30 degrees takes place in the opposite direction to the ON switching rotary movement.