Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Reset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground fault circuit interrupters have a complex structure due to the requirement of a leaf switch, which increases manufacturing costs and inefficiently utilizes space, preventing the device from being compact.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a contact conductive part with a simple structure on the reset slider replaces the leaf switch, allowing for improved space utilization with a second PCB board positioned opposite the first, connected via a plug-in unit, reducing the device's size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a leaf switch is used to control the on-off state of the conductive assembly, then the switching function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the leaf switch component from the device structure. Instead of using a traditional leaf switch mechanism, the invention directly uses the contact conductive part on the reset slider to make contact with the switch contact on the PCB board, thereby achieving the switching function without the complex leaf switch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset slider is given multiple functions: it serves both as part of the reset mechanism and as the switching element itself through its contact conductive part. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate leaf switch components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the switching function.
2Ease of operation
If a leaf switch is used to control the on-off state, then the switching control is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the leaf switch component entirely and using only the contact conductive part on the reset slider for switching control, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining switching control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the first PCB board is positioned with switch contact, then the switching control is achieved, but space utilization becomes inefficient preventing compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the second PCB board opposite to the first PCB board, with the reset slider extending between them. This allows the contact conductive part to reach the switch contact on the first PCB board while maintaining a compact overall device volume, achieving efficient space utilization.
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
This design simplifies the product, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the compactness and reliability of the ground fault circuit interrupter by eliminating the complex leaf switch and optimizing PCB board placement.
Implementation Method 1
support reset spring 13 disposed in the reset bracket 12... support reset spring 13 is compressed and electrical contacts of reset bracket 12 are pressed against corresponding electrical contacts... support reset spring 13 is able to push reset bracket 12 such that electrical contacts of reset bracket 12 are separated
Implementation Method 2
compression spring 24... when the reset key 4 is pressed, the reset pole 14 moves downward, compressing compression spring 24... when reset key 4 is no longer pressed downward, key reset spring 17 returns reset key 4 to its original position, consequently pulling the downward-most end of reset pole 14 back
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic tripping mechanism whose action is controlled by the leakage signal detection circuit... iron core 151 of the electromagnetic tripping mechanism may engage with both the reset locking hook 403 and the linkage hole 143... iron core 151 of the electromagnetic tripping mechanism is withdrawn, thereby unlocking reset pole 14 and reset slider 22
Data Source
AI summary
A ground fault circuit interrupter includes a reset key, a reset mechanism, a conductive assembly configured to connect a power supply input side to a load side, a leakage signal detection circuit, and an electromagnetic tripping mechanism. The reset mechanism comprises a reset support and a support return mechanism. The reset support comprises a reset bracket and a support reset spring. The support return mechanism comprises a reset pole, a reset key spring, a compression spring, a reset block, a compression spring container, a reset slider, and a contact conductive part. The contact conductive part is disposed at a lower end of the reset slider and is configured to align with a position of a switch contact on a first PCB board. A state of contact or separation between the contact conductive part and the switch contact is configured to control an on-off state of the conductive assembly.