Flexible Shaft Circuit Breaker Racking for Arc-Blast Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators are at risk of serious injury or death when disconnecting circuit breakers due to the proximity required for manual racking, which exposes them to arc-blast and flying debris in case of catastrophic failure.
Innovation Solution
A portable drill motor racking apparatus that allows remote operation of circuit breakers using a commercially available drill motor, comprising a racking adapter, gearbox, flexible shaft cable, and drill adapter, enabling safe operation from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual racking is used to disconnect circuit breakers, then the operator can directly operate the racking mechanism, but the operator is exposed to arc-blast and flying debris hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drill motor as an intermediary device that couples to the racking mechanism through a flexible shaft. This intermediary allows the operator to apply rotational force remotely without direct contact with the circuit breaker, thereby eliminating exposure to arc-blast and flying debris while still enabling effective operation of the racking mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a remote racking apparatus is used to protect the operator, then the operator is positioned at a safe distance, but the apparatus requires additional components and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universally applicable drill motor that can be coupled to various racking mechanisms through the flexible shaft connection. This multi-functional approach allows the same drill motor to operate different circuit breaker types without requiring specialized equipment for each application, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operator safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible shaft to transmit rotational power from the drill motor to the racking mechanism. This flexible connection allows the operator to position the drill motor at a safe distance while maintaining mechanical coupling, simplifying the apparatus structure compared to rigid remote actuation systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable racking device is used to enable remote operation, then the operator can work from a distance, but the device must be lightweight and portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the drill motor's own weight and structure as the primary support mechanism. The drill motor is designed to be self-contained and portable, utilizing its inherent mechanical properties rather than requiring additional heavy support structures or mounting systems, thereby achieving remote operation capability while maintaining portability
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 apparatus enables safe and remote operation of circuit breakers, reducing the risk of injury from arc-blast and flying debris, while being easy to use, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible shaft cable, having a first end and a second end, wherein the racking adapter is connected to the first end of the flexible shaft cable
Implementation Method 2
the gearbox is incorporated between the flexible shaft cable and the racking adapter to provide a torque multiplication required to rack the circuit breaker
Data Source
AI summary
A drill motor racking apparatus for remote operation of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The drill motor racking apparatus comprises: a racking adapter, wherein the racking adapter is adapted to be engaged by and secured in a racking mechanism of a circuit breaker; a gearbox having an input and an output; a flexible shaft cable having a first end and a second end, wherein the racking adapter is connected to the first end of the flexible shaft cable and wherein the gearbox is incorporated between the flexible shaft cable and the racking adapter to provide a torque multiplication required to rack the circuit breaker; and a drill adapter adapted to be engaged by and secured in a drill, wherein the drill adapter is attached to the second end of the flexible shaft cable. A method of using the drill motor racking apparatus is also disclosed.