Control Terminal Automatic Connection for Draw-out Air Circuit Breakers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draw-out type air circuit breakers face issues with excessive load on control terminals, potential electric accidents, inefficient wiring processes, high production costs, and mis-wiring due to exposed connectors and complex terminal configurations.

Innovation Solution

A control terminal automatic connection apparatus featuring fixed and movable modules with pin connectors enclosed in insulating material, amplifying torque for connection, minimizing connector exposure, and using general-purpose connectors for signal, output, and power inputs to simplify wiring and reduce fabrication costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the control terminal is connected in the same direction as the main body connection, then the connection is simple, but excessive load is transferred to the control terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidcontrol terminal load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the connection direction from horizontal (same as main body) to vertical (perpendicular dimension). The control terminal connecting pins extend in the vertical direction while the main body connection occurs horizontally, allowing independent movement and load separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the connecting pins are outwardly exposed for easy connection, then the connection is simple, but electric accidents such as ground fault and electric shock may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidelectric accident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pins are nested inside insulating cover members that enclose them. The insulating covers act as protective housings, keeping the conductive pins hidden while allowing connection through designated interfaces, thus preventing electric accidents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the connecting pins are exposed for connection, then the connection process is simple, but defect connection may occur due to insufficient movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating cover members include guide grooves that provide mechanical feedback through engagement protrusions on the main body. This ensures proper alignment and complete insertion, preventing defect connections caused by insufficient movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If multiple wires are soldered one by one for control terminal wiring, then the connection is reliable, but the wiring process takes long time reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring reliabilityVSAvoidwiring productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connecting pins are integrated into a single control terminal assembly with a common insulating cover. This allows multiple electrical connections to be made simultaneously through one integrated component rather than soldering individual wires separately, greatly improving productivity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Device complexity

If the control terminal and electric terminal are connected in the same direction, then the structure is simple, but the control terminal may be damaged due to load transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal structureVSAvoidcontrol terminal durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal connection system is segmented into independent components: the control terminal with vertical pins, the insulating cover members, and the main body connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to handle its specific function and load independently, preventing damage from load transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2015338B1Control terminal automatic connection apparatus for draw-out type air circuit breaker and air circuit having the same
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 LG INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO LTD
  • EP2015338B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2015338B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2015338B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a control terminal automatic connection apparatus for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same, the apparatus comprising: a cam, a lever having one end portion that can be connected to the cam or separated from the cam and rotatable by the rotation driving force transferred from the cam when connected to the cam, a rod connected to the lever and thus movable in a vertical direction according to the rotation of the lever, a fixed control terminal module fixedly installed at the main body, and a movable control terminal module installed at the cradle and movable to a position for being connected to the fixed control terminal module of the main body and a position for being disconnected therefrom.