Electrical Distribution Racking Force Reduction via Segmented Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical distribution systems face increased racking forces when inserting or removing circuit breakers, especially with multiple or larger devices, which hinders maintenance and replacement due to the high mechanical requirements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple fingers of different lengths with a mechanical spring and an inner curve profile to reduce racking forces, allowing for easier insertion and thermal performance across varying device sizes and thermal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple primary disconnects or clusters are used to accommodate more circuit breakers or larger circuit breakers, then the electrical distribution capacity is improved, but the racking force required for insertion and removal increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single rigid disconnect structure into multiple separate fingers (typically three fingers per phase). Each finger is independently mounted on a pivot point, allowing it to move separately. This segmentation enables the disconnect to accommodate multiple circuit breakers of different sizes without requiring excessive racking force, as each finger can independently adjust to the inserted device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by mounting fingers on pivot points rather than fixed rigid connections. The fingers can rotate dynamically during the racking operation, and springs provide dynamic force to assist insertion and maintain contact. This dynamic design reduces the static force requirement significantly compared to rigid disconnect structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more circuit breakers are installed in a drawout box, then the electrical distribution functionality is improved, but the ease of operation for insertion and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the disconnect into multiple independent fingers, each finger can be actuated separately during racking operations. This reduces the operational complexity compared to moving a single large rigid disconnect, making insertion and removal easier even when multiple circuit breakers are installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces springs as intermediary elements between the fingers and the circuit breaker. These springs provide assisting force during insertion and maintain electrical contact during operation. The spring mechanism mediates the interaction between the operator and the circuit breaker, reducing the effort required for racking operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger circuit breakers with differing current limiting and thermal requirements are used, then the electrical distribution capability is improved, but the racking force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each finger independently adjustable and spring-loaded. Each finger can be optimized for its specific position and load requirements. The springs can be positioned and sized to provide appropriate local force assistance, allowing the disconnect to accommodate circuit breakers with different thermal and current requirements without uniformly increasing the racking force across all points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the finger configuration, spring tension, and pivot point positions to be adjusted based on the specific circuit breaker being installed. This flexibility allows optimization of the racking force parameters for different breaker sizes and thermal requirements, rather than being constrained by a fixed rigid structure.
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 solution significantly decreases racking forces, facilitating easier device insertion and removal while enhancing thermal performance by distributing the force more evenly and increasing contact area, thus reducing thermal issues.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical spring in operative communication with the at least two fingers, configured to provide tension upon separation of the at least two fingers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrical distribution apparatus (102, 111) includes a fixed terminal (210), at least two fingers (103, 104, 105, 106) attached at respective pivot points (203) in the apparatus (102, 111), and a mechanical spring (204) in operative communication with the at least two fingers (103, 104, 105, 106), configured to provide tension upon separation of the at least two fingers (103, 104, 105, 106). According to the apparatus (102, 111), the at least two fingers (103, 104, 105, 106) are of a different length, length is a measure of the distance from a pivot point (203) of a finger to an end of the finger, and the respective pivot points (203) are each formed between the fixed terminal (210) and each of the two fingers (103, 104, 105, 106).