Collapsible Racking Tool for Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching apparatus, such as draw-out circuit breakers, face complexity and bulkiness in racking mechanisms, and tools used for movement are often separate and prone to misplacement or loss, lacking optimal mechanical leverage and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tool with a segmented actuating mechanism, comprising multiple segments and joints, that can be stowed within the circuit breaker, providing mechanical leverage for efficient racking operations and minimizing the risk of loss by collapsing into a compact form for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate mechanical tool is used for racking circuit breakers, then the racking operation can be performed, but the tool is prone to misplacement or loss and is not optimized for mechanical leverage
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is integrated with the circuit breaker body, merging the previously separate tool and circuit breaker into a single unit. The tool includes a handle portion that extends from the circuit breaker housing, ensuring the tool cannot be misplaced or lost while maintaining optimized mechanical leverage for racking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into multiple segments including a first segment, second segment, and third segment connected by joints. This segmentation allows the tool to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed, and the segmented structure optimizes mechanical leverage during racking operations
2Ease of operation
If a bulky racking mechanism is used, then the circuit breaker can be racked, but the mechanism becomes complex and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs movable joints connecting segmented portions, allowing the tool to dynamically change its configuration between an extended operational state for racking and a collapsed storage state. This dynamic structure eliminates the need for bulky fixed mechanisms while maintaining full racking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The racking mechanism is divided into multiple collapsible segments that can be folded together. This segmentation reduces the mechanism to a compact form when not in use, eliminating excessive space occupation while providing full racking functionality when needed
3Device complexity
If a non-collapsible tool is used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot be stowed within the circuit breaker and is prone to loss
Solution Approach 1:
The tool structure incorporates movable joints that enable transformation between extended and collapsed configurations. When collapsed, the tool fits within the circuit breaker housing for secure retention, while the segmented dynamic structure maintains relative simplicity compared to complex fixed mechanisms
4Ease of operation
If a tool with optimal mechanical leverage is designed, then the racking operation becomes easier, but the tool becomes larger and cannot be compactly stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool uses movable joints to create a dynamic structure that extends to optimal length during racking operations for maximum mechanical leverage, then collapses to a compact form for storage. This dynamic adjustment allows the tool to achieve optimal leverage efficiency while minimizing storage volume to fit within the circuit breaker
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 tool enables efficient and compact manipulation of electrical switching apparatus, optimizing mechanical leverage for easier operation while reducing the likelihood of misplacement, as it can be stored within the circuit breaker enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of joints movably connecting the plurality of segments. The actuating mechanism is movable between a first position in which the segments are disposed substantially parallel with respect to one another, and a second position in which adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is provided to manipulate an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, with respect to a housing structure. The circuit breaker has a mechanical interface. The tool includes an actuating mechanism having a plurality of segments and joints, which movably connect the segments. One segment is engageable with the mechanical interface of the circuit breaker. Another segment comprises a handle portion structured to be gripped by a user. The actuating mechanism is movable between a first position in which the segments are substantially parallel with respect to one another, and a second position in which adjacent segments are substantially perpendicular to each other. When disposed in the first position, the tool is stowable in an opening of the circuit breaker. When disposed in the second position, the tool is operable to move the circuit breaker in a predetermined manner with respect to the housing structure.