Guide Member for Electrical Switching Apparatus Cable Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Molded case circuit breakers face issues with fragile cable members connecting printed circuit boards, which are prone to damage due to repeated twisting and folding during the opening and closing of accessory covers, compromising their ability to electrically connect the boards effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a guide member with a ramp and guide portions that engage the cable member to minimize twisting and folding, protecting it from damage and ensuring reliable electrical connectivity between the printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate printed circuit boards are used to interface with accessories and customer connections, then the circuit breaker can accommodate a large number of accessories and connections, but the cable members connecting the boards become fragile and susceptible to damage from repeated twisting and folding
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the moving secondary cover and the cable member. The guide member includes a ramp and guide portions that actively manage the cable member's path, preventing direct contact between the moving cover and the fragile cable, thereby protecting the cable from damage while maintaining the multi-board configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is pre-installed and positioned to define a safe path for the cable member before any opening/closing operations occur. The ramp and guide portions are预先 configured to engage the cable member and prevent twisting and folding from the outset, rather than reacting to damage after it occurs
2Ease of operation
If the secondary cover is designed to move between closed and open positions for customer access, then ease of operation is improved, but the cable member connecting printed circuit boards undergoes repeated twisting and folding that compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that allows the secondary cover to move freely for customer access while simultaneously protecting the cable member from the harmful effects of this movement. The guide member absorbs the mechanical stress of repeated operations, isolating the fragile cable from direct contact with moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protected pathway for the cable member. The ramp and guide portions are designed to cushion and redirect forces that would otherwise directly twist and fold the cable, preventing damage before it can occur during normal opening and closing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A guide member is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a primary cover, a secondary cover structured to move between a closed position and an open position, a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board spaced from the first printed circuit board, and a cable member electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards. The guide member includes a body having a base coupled to the primary cover, a ramp engaging the cable member when the secondary cover is in the closed position, the ramp having first and second opposing end portions, the first end portion extending from the base, and a number of guide portions each extending from the ramp and engaging the cable member when the secondary cover moves between the closed position and the open position in order to minimize twisting and folding of the cable member.