Handle Elevation for Circuit Breaker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-stage circuit breakers face issues with incorrect assembly of handle covers due to their identical appearance but differing internal hole lengths, leading to potential incorrect mounting of accessories and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A handle design with a small elevation on the actuating part allows for the use of a single type of handle cover with an elongated hole, ensuring correct assembly by modifying the handle to have an extension length shorter than the interior space, thus preventing incorrect accessory installation and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handle covers with different hole lengths are used to accommodate different accessory types, then accessory compatibility is improved, but assembly error risk increases due to identical external appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a visual distinction (different coloring) only in the specific region of the handle cover opening, while keeping the rest of the handle cover appearance uniform. This allows assembly personnel to quickly identify the correct handle cover type (long opening vs. short opening) without requiring the entire handle cover to be visually distinct, thus maintaining accessory compatibility while reducing assembly errors.
2Reliability
If fine markings are added to distinguish handle cover types, then assembly correctness can be improved, but the markings are easily overlooked and assembly errors still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as a visual indication method, where handle covers with different opening lengths are colored differently. This provides an immediate, easily recognizable visual cue that cannot be overlooked like fine markings, allowing assembly personnel to quickly and accurately identify the correct handle cover type, thereby improving both assembly correctness and speed.
3Reliability
If a hole depth tester is used to verify handle cover assembly, then assembly correctness can be detected, but the detection occurs only after assembly and cannot prevent errors timely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing visual differentiation on the handle covers before assembly occurs. The different coloring allows assembly personnel to identify the correct handle cover type in advance, preventing incorrect assembly from happening in the first place. This eliminates the need for post-assembly verification tools and prevents rework by ensuring correctness before the assembly process completes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two types of handle covers are produced with different opening lengths, then accessory type differentiation is achieved, but production costs increase due to additional tooling and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing the differentiation feature (coloring) only in the specific region of the handle cover opening, rather than requiring the entire handle cover to be differently colored or constructed. This localized approach minimizes the impact on production costs while still achieving the goal of accessory type differentiation, as it requires minimal additional tooling and material changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handle, said handle (10) having a body (12) that can be provided axially on a switching system and an actuating part (14) that is provided protruding from said body (12). Said actuating part (14) extends along the axial direction of said body (12) and an elevation (142) protruding from said actuating part (14) is provided. Such a concept with simple structure and uncomplicated realisation can uniformly use one type of handle sheath (handle sheath with elongated hole) for undertaking the appropriate adjustment, and therefore the assembly process is considerably simplified.