Circuit Interrupter Terminal for Ring Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers are limited in their ability to connect a variety of conductive elements, particularly ring terminals, due to the configuration of their terminals, which restricts their versatility in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An improved attachment apparatus that modifies a conventional lug to serve as a terminal, using a threaded fastener with a receptacle to securely connect conductive elements like ring terminals to circuit interrupters, allowing for reliable electrical connection and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lugs with threaded engagement elements are used to connect wires to circuit breakers, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the ability to connect various types of conductive elements (such as ring terminals) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies a conventional lug to include both a threaded engagement element for compressive connection and a threaded receptacle for accepting threaded fasteners. This dual configuration allows the same terminal to connect different types of conductive elements (wires, ring terminals, etc.) using different connection methods, thereby achieving multi-functionality and versatility without requiring multiple specialized terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is divided into distinct functional components: a threaded engagement element for compressive connection and a separate threaded receptacle for threaded fastener acceptance. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function independently, enabling the terminal to handle various conductive element types through appropriate selection of connection method.
2Ease of operation
If conventional lugs are used with threaded engagement elements, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but ease of removal and reinstallation of conductive elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal provides dynamic connection options through two distinct mechanisms: threaded fasteners allow for easy insertion and removal of conductive elements, while the threaded engagement element provides reliable compressive connection. Users can select the appropriate connection method based on whether ease of removal or connection reliability is the priority, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a single terminal design is used for all conductive elements, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability for specific types (such as ring terminals) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal incorporates multiple connection mechanisms within a single design: a threaded engagement element for reliable compressive connection of wire-type conductors, and a threaded receptacle for accepting threaded fasteners to secure ring terminals. This multi-functional design ensures reliable connection for different conductive element types without requiring separate specialized terminals for each type.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment apparatus is usable as a line terminal or load terminal of a circuit interrupter to enable a conductive element that includes a ring terminal to be electrically connected with a conductor of a circuit interrupter. The attachment apparatus employs a conventional lug which serves as a connector. The lug includes a threaded engagement element. The attachment apparatus further includes a connection element having a threaded receptacle that is structured to receive a shank of a threaded fastener. The shank is received through a hole formed in a ring terminal and is further threadably receivable in the receptacle of the connection apparatus to enable the ring terminal and a wire connected therewith to be reliably electrically connected with a line conductor or a load conductor of the circuit interrupter. The threaded shank can be unthreaded from the connection element to permit removal of the ring terminal and associated wire.