Interlocking External Actuator for Electrical Panel Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external actuators for electrical panel boards do not provide a locking mechanism to keep the panel door closed when the circuit breaker is in the ON state, compromising electrical safety and are not compatible with panels of different designs and dimensions, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking external actuator system with a handle, shafts, and an interlocking mechanism that locks the panel door when the circuit breaker is in the ON state, allowing safe external access and manual switching, and can be adapted for various panel designs and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external actuator is provided for switching circuit breakers, then manual switching from outside the panel is enabled, but the panel door cannot be locked when the breaker is in the ON state, compromising electrical safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external actuator mechanism with an interlocking door locking mechanism into a single integrated system. The actuator shaft is mechanically linked to both the circuit breaker switching mechanism and the door lock, so that operating the actuator simultaneously controls both the breaker state and the door locking state, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the door in the closed position when the circuit breaker is switched to the ON state. This preliminary locking action occurs as a direct consequence of the breaker switching operation, preventing accidental door opening and ensuring electrical safety before any maintenance or access operations could be attempted
2Manufacturing precision
If external actuators are manufactured specifically for specific breaker designs, then precise fit and function are achieved, but compatibility with panels of different designs and dimensions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The external actuator is designed with a universal mounting structure and standardized interface that can accommodate circuit breakers of different designs and dimensions. The actuator body includes adjustable mounting positions and adaptable connection mechanisms that maintain precise engagement with the breaker operating mechanism while allowing installation on various panel types and breaker models
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking external actuator for accessing an electrical panel board having a circuit breaker inside a housing that is covered by an enclosure door, wherein the actuator includes a handle, a first shaft, a second shaft and an interlocking mechanism, wherein the second shaft engages the first shaft in a closed state of the door and thereby facilitates switching the circuit breaker to ON and OFF states by angularly displacing the handle, wherein the interlocking mechanism is biased to engage in pushing the door into a closed state, wherein the circuit breaker is switched from an ON state to an OFF state by displacing the handle from a first angular position to a second angular position, and wherein the interlocking mechanism is disengaged through displacement of the handle further to a third angular position and thereby allow opening of the door.