Operating Handle Interface Assembly for Simultaneous Circuit Breaker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems face challenges in efficiently operating multiple circuit breakers simultaneously from outside an enclosure without opening it, requiring individual manual operation of each breaker, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An operating handle interface assembly that includes a linking assembly and an elongated shaft with a handle attachment, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple circuit breakers from the exterior of the enclosure through a single pivotable handle, using pivot plates, adapters, and fasteners to interconnect the operating handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple circuit breakers are operated individually from inside the enclosure, then each breaker can be controlled separately, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming when multiple breakers need to be actuated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating handles into a single unified interface. The common operating handle is mechanically linked through shafts and connecting members to multiple circuit breaker operating handles, allowing simultaneous actuation of multiple breakers through one motion. This merging of control functions directly addresses the time loss and operational complexity of individually operating each breaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The common operating handle serves multiple functions: it can operate any one of the interconnected circuit breakers individually, or operate all connected breakers simultaneously. The selective engagement mechanism allows the single handle to universally control multiple breakers based on which breaker needs operation, eliminating the need for separate handles for each breaker and significantly reducing operational time.
2Ease of operation
If the enclosure is opened to access and operate circuit breakers, then individual breakers can be identified and actuated, but the process becomes inefficient and requires opening the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the common operating handle with its connecting shafts and linking members - that transfers the operating motion from the exterior of the enclosure to the circuit breaker handles inside. This intermediary allows operators to control breakers from outside the enclosure without opening it, while the mechanical linkage system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple breaker operations through a single interface.
3Productivity
If a linking assembly is added to interconnect operating handles, then simultaneous operation from exterior is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linking assembly is segmented into modular components: a common operating handle, multiple shafts (one for each breaker), connecting members that link the shafts together, and selective engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex function of simultaneous multi-breaker operation to be achieved through simpler, interchangeable parts that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating handle interface assembly is for an electrical system. The electrical system includes an enclosure having an interior and an exterior, and a plurality of electrical switching apparatus disposed within the interior. Each of the electrical switching apparatus includes an operating handle. The operating handle interface assembly includes a linking assembly structured to interconnect the operating handles of a plurality of the electrical switching apparatus. An elongated shaft includes opposing first and second ends. The first end cooperates with one of the operating handles of one of the electrical switching apparatus. The second end is disposed on the exterior of the enclosure. A handle attachment is coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft on the exterior of the enclosure. The handle attachment is operable among a plurality of positions to correspondingly operate the operating handles of all of the interconnected electrical switching apparatus.