Miniaturized Electric Leakage Protector Reset Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric leakage protectors have complex reset mechanisms, making them non-compact and difficult to miniaturize.

Innovation Solution

A simplified reset mechanism using a combination of elastic members, a reset column, and a current detecting mechanism to drive the moving and fixed contacts to separate and re-establish contact, with a compact design that includes a PCB and conductive components for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional reset mechanism is used, then the reset function can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and the device cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of electric leakage protectorVSAvoidstructure complexity of reset mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reset mechanism with the breaker mechanism by sharing common components such as the moving contact, fixed contact, and elastic member. The reset column integrates the reset elastic member and connecting member into a unified structure that works cooperatively with the breaker components, eliminating the need for separate reset components and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member serves dual functions: it acts as a separating force during circuit breaking and as a resetting force when the circuit needs to be restored. The moving seat and connecting member are designed to participate in both the breaking and resetting operations, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions and reducing the total number of parts required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the reset mechanism structure is simplified, then the device can be miniaturized, but the reliability of the reset function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of electric leakage protectorVSAvoidreliability of reset function

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch groove is designed with a buffer zone that allows the connecting member to engage smoothly with the reset column. The elastic member is pre-positioned to provide cushioning force during the resetting process, ensuring reliable engagement even with manufacturing tolerances and wear over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The reset mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the elastic member's stored energy. When the breaker releases the connecting member, the elastic member automatically drives the reset column to reset the circuit without requiring external intervention or additional power sources, ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in a compact and miniaturized electric leakage protector with a simplified structure, enhancing its usability and reliability by facilitating easy reset operations without additional fixing members.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet electrically coupled to the current detecting mechanism, and an electric hammer slidably coupled to the hammer seat, and the electromagnet is provided for attracting the electric hammer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a separated elastic member for driving the moving contact to descend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the first reset elastic member driving the connecting member to be latched into the latch groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the second reset elastic member being provided for driving the reset column to ascend

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10541101B1Electric leakage protector

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 DONGGUAN CITY TUOCHENG IND CO LTD

AI summary

An electric leakage protector includes a reset mechanism, a breaker mechanism, and a current detecting mechanism. The current detecting mechanism is used to control the breaker mechanism which includes a separated elastic member driving the moving contact to descend, and the reset mechanism includes a reset column, a connecting member, a first reset elastic member, a moving seat, and a second reset elastic member. The separated elastic member is coupled to the connecting member through the moving seat, and the reset column has a latch groove for latching the connecting member. The breaker mechanism is used to drive the connecting member to retreat from the latch groove, and the second reset elastic member is used to drive the reset column to ascend. After the reset column descends, the first reset elastic member drives the connecting member to be latched into the latch groove to miniaturize the electric leakage protector.