Front-Access Battery Module for Breaker Control Unit Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit breakers require complex and disruptive procedures for battery replacement, necessitating disconnection from the electrical installation and specialized authorization, which is inefficient and unsafe, as existing solutions fail to ensure safety and efficiency in battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
A battery module designed for front-access installation on a control unit, ensuring electrical isolation and safety compliance with IEC standards, allowing battery replacement without disrupting the electrical service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is received in a housing inside the control unit casing, then electrical isolation and safety are ensured, but battery replacement requires removing the control unit from the breaker unit, making the process complex and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented from the control unit by providing a removable cover that allows access to the battery without removing the entire control unit from the breaker unit. This segmentation enables independent maintenance of the battery component while preserving the integrated control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted as a separately accessible component through the removable cover mechanism. Users can remove and replace the battery by simply opening the cover from the front face, without needing to extract the entire control unit from the breaker unit housing.
2Ease of operation
If the housing opens onto the front face for easy access, then battery replacement is simplified, but electrical isolation distances may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope and cover are pre-configured with built-in electrical isolation structures that maintain required clearance distances before the user even attempts battery replacement. The proximal wall and peripheral wall form an insulating envelope that preliminarily establishes the isolation barrier, ensuring safety requirements are met before any user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope structure acts as an intermediary insulating element between the battery compartment and the external environment. This intermediate structure maintains the required electrical isolation distances while still allowing front-face access through the removable cover mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the control unit is made removable for battery access, then battery replacement becomes possible, but service interruption and authorization requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery access function is segmented from the control unit removal function. The removable cover provides a dedicated access path for battery replacement that is independent of the control unit's mounting in the breaker unit, eliminating the need for service interruption and complex authorization procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
This battery module (200) is configured to be inserted into a battery housing (201) opening onto a front face (22) of a control unit (20) of an electrical circuit breaker. The battery module comprises an envelope (210) with a proximal wall (214), which is generally orthogonal to a main axis (A214), and a peripheral wall (216), which extends from the proximal wall and presents a continuous contour around the main axis, the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together delimiting a cavity (211) for receiving a battery (212). The battery module comprises a conductive element (220B), which is partially received in the cavity and is configured to be connected to a pole of the battery. The proximal wall and the peripheral wall together form a continuous portion of the envelope that extends from the proximal wall and according to the main axis, at a minimum distance (L240) greater than or equal to 14 mm.