Circuit Interrupter Retention Arrangement with Movable Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit interrupter mountings lack a reliable and easy-to-operate retention mechanism, particularly for devices with varying dimensions, which can lead to insecure installation and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A retention arrangement featuring an actuating arm with a latch mechanism that secures the circuit interrupter in place through guiding surfaces and a pivotally mounted tab, ensuring secure engagement and easy release with the aid of stop pins and guiding brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple mounting structure is used for circuit interrupters, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of retention is worsened especially when circuit interrupter dimensions vary from nominal specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to circuit interrupters with varying dimensions. The arm can pivot and adjust its position to maintain proper retention engagement even when the circuit interrupter does not exactly match nominal dimensions, thereby improving retention reliability without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional components: a fixed mounting body and a movable retention arm. This segmentation allows the retention function to be independent and specifically optimized for reliability, while the overall structure remains relatively simple. The retention arm can be independently positioned and adjusted without affecting other mounting functions.
2Reliability
If a secure retention mechanism is implemented to ensure reliable retention of circuit interrupters with varying dimensions, then the reliability of retention is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to more complex engagement and release procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is designed to automatically engage with the circuit interrupter when it is inserted into the mounting. The circuit interrupter itself activates the retention mechanism through its presence and positioning, eliminating the need for separate manual engagement actions. This self-service feature maintains high retention reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to actively engage a complex locking mechanism, the design inverts the approach by having the retention arm passively engage automatically when the circuit interrupter is properly inserted. The release operation is simplified by providing a dedicated release button that directly actuates the retention arm's disengagement, making the complex retention mechanism easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retention arrangement with movable retention arm is used to accommodate varying circuit interrupter dimensions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like actuating arms and latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retention arm serves multiple functions: it provides retention for circuit interrupters with varying dimensions, guides the circuit interrupter during insertion, and can be actuated for release. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle dimensional variations without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each function, thereby improving adaptability while limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention arm acts as an intermediary element between the fixed mounting structure and the circuit interrupter. It provides the necessary adaptability to accommodate dimensional variations while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure. The retention arm translates the simple insertion motion into proper retention engagement, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple structure and adaptive retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention arrangement for a circuit interrupter to ensure that ensures the retention of the circuit interrupter in its mounting. The retention arrangement cooperates with a latch member of the mounting for the circuit interrupter. Accordingly, the circuit interrupter is retained in its mounting even where the dimensions of the circuit interrupter may vary from the nominal specified dimensions.