Circuit Disconnect Knob Locking Without Movable Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit disconnect devices are complex, costly, and lack robust locking mechanisms, making them prone to accidental operation and requiring movable locking links that can break under torque.
Innovation Solution
A device with an integrated actuation knob that can be locked directly to the housing using apertures, eliminating the need for movable locking links and providing redundant locking points, ensuring the knob cannot be easily removed or overridden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movable locking links are used to lock the device, then the device can be locked to prevent accidental operation, but the locking mechanism becomes complex and the locking links can break under torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the movable locking links from the system entirely and replaces them with a static aperture-based locking system. The housing contains fixed apertures that align with apertures in the knob at specific positions, eliminating the need for moving locking components that can break.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using movable links that actively engage to lock the device, the patent inverts the approach by using fixed apertures that passively receive locking means. The locking mechanism works by the absence of movement rather than through active engagement of moving parts.
2Reliability
If external handles with external locking arrangements are used, then the device can be locked, but the manufacturing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism directly into the housing and knob assembly. The apertures are integrated into the housing structure and the knob, eliminating the need for separate external locking arrangements and reducing the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the electrical components and simultaneously provides the locking mechanism through its integrated apertures. The knob also serves dual purposes as the actuation mechanism and as part of the locking system through its aligned apertures.
3Ease of operation
If the knob can be easily removed from the front of the device, then the device is easier to operate, but the device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized override
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the locking mechanism within the housing structure itself. The apertures are formed directly in the housing body, and the locking means extend through these apertures to secure the knob in place, creating a layered protection system where the housing provides both enclosure and locking functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A-1~2A-2
AI summary
Provided herein is a device comprising: a contact mechanism (or switch); an actuation knob; and a housing. The contact mechanism (or switch) comprises: an actuating mechanism; a first conductor; a second conductor; and a moveable contact moveable, by the actuating mechanism, between a first, closed, position in which a current conduction path is defined through the first, second and moveable conductors of the contact mechanism and a second, open, position in which no current conduction path is defined. The actuation knob (or knob) comprises: a first side configured to drive the actuating mechanism upon rotation of the actuation knob, the first side comprising a cam portion which directly engages with the actuating mechanism; a second side opposite the first side; and an engagement portion protruding from the second side and configured for engagement by a user. The housing encloses both the contact mechanism and the first side of the actuation knob, the engagement portion configured to protrude through an opening in the housing. The actuation knob is configured to rotate within the housing in response to engagement by a user. A system comprising the device and an electrical circuit configured to be coupled to the first and second conductors of the contact mechanism is also provided herein.