Insulating Handgrip for Molded Case Circuit Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded case circuit breakers lack a safe and ergonomic handgrip that prevents access to exposed conductive parts during installation and removal, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A handgrip made of electrically insulating material with protective elements and guided coupling means is integrated into the circuit breaker, allowing safe manual handling and preventing access to conductive terminals by engaging with recesses in the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handgrip is added to facilitate manual handling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handgrip is merged with the circuit breaker body as an integral component rather than a separate attachment. The gripping element is formed as part of the molded case structure, combining the handling function with the existing housing to avoid adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handgrip structure serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic manual handling, acts as an insulating barrier protecting against exposed conductive parts, and integrates with the existing casing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Reliability
If the handgrip provides protection against conductive parts, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective insulating function is merged into the handgrip structure itself. The gripping element is formed from insulating material that simultaneously provides both the gripping surface and the protective barrier against conductive parts, eliminating the need for separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handgrip structure serves dual purposes: ergonomic handling and electrical insulation/protection. By making the gripping element itself the protective barrier, the design achieves safety without adding complex separate protective structures.
3Ease of operation
If a removable handgrip is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The handgrip is designed as an integral part of the circuit breaker housing rather than a removable component. The gripping structure is formed as part of the molded case, ensuring it cannot be lost or misplaced while maintaining continuous protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated handgrip provides both ergonomic handling and continuous protective insulation without the risks associated with removable components. The permanent integration ensures the protective function is always present when the breaker is in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Handgrip (20, 30) which can be associated to an electrical molded case circuit breaker (1), the breaker comprising at least one first unit of electrical connection terminals (6) and comprising a box-type casing (2) provided with at least one first plurality of recesses (9) for housing said electrical terminals (6), each recess being provided with an open end portion (10) on a front face (3) of the box-type casing (2), the handgrip (20, 30) comprising a gripping organ (21, 31) intended to project from the main casing (2) in order to facilitate manual grasping of the breaker (1); The handgrip (20,30) further includes an array of protective elements (22) in insulating material, each such as to engage with a corresponding recess (9) in order to prevent access to the connection terminal (6) through said open end portion (10).