Lock Mounting Device for Circuit Breaker Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breaker accessories, such as motor operators, lack a convenient method for installing keyed cylinders without removing or opening the housing, limiting field installation and security enhancements.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly for circuit breaker accessories featuring a lock housing with a radial collar and resilient members that securely attach to the motor operator housing without disassembly, incorporating a keyed lock and cam mechanism for disabling unauthorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional padlocks or keyed cylinders are installed on circuit breaker accessories, then security against unauthorized operation is improved, but installation complexity increases and field installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into separate components: a lock body that can be inserted through the aperture and a mounting structure with resilient members that engage with the housing. This segmentation allows the lock to be installed in two stages - first inserting the lock body through the aperture, then securing it with the mounting structure, enabling field installation without removing the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is nested within the housing through the aperture, and the mounting structure with resilient members is nested within the lock assembly. The resilient members are stored within the housing and spring outward to engage with external features, creating a compact nested structure that enables secure mounting without external fasteners.
2Reliability
If keyed cylinders are installed by opening the housing, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time and disassembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are pre-positioned within the housing in a compressed state, ready to engage with external features of the circuit breaker accessory housing. This preliminary preparation allows the lock assembly to be quickly secured by simply inserting it through the aperture and allowing the resilient members to automatically engage, eliminating the need for housing disassembly and reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If padlocks are inserted through aperture in motor operator mechanism, then field installation is enabled, but secure retention and prevention of unauthorized removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members change their physical state from a compressed stored position within the housing to an extended engaged position with external features. This parameter change in the resilient members' position and force state creates a secure mechanical engagement that prevents unauthorized removal while maintaining field installability through the aperture.
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
Enables easy, field-installable lock assemblies that enhance security by preventing unauthorized operation without requiring housing removal, offering a user-friendly and secure solution for motor operators and other circuit breaker accessories.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient member integral to the housing, the at least one resilient member configured to engage the circuit breaker accessory housing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A lock housing for a circuit breaker accessory housing includes a body (230B) having a aperture (230A) configured to receive a keyed lock (200), a collar (230C) circumscribing the aperture at a first end of the housing, the collar extending radially outward from the body, and at least one resilient member (310) integral to the housing, the at least one resilient member configured to engage the circuit breaker accessory housing.