Interlocking Device for Circuit Breakers Using Magnetic Field Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlocking devices for electrical circuit breakers lack an efficient mechanism to prevent simultaneous closure of circuit breakers connected to mutually exclusive power supply networks without mechanical locking of manoeuvring levers, which can lead to unintended power connections.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking device with independently movable actuating levers and kinematic mechanisms that couple with circuit breakers, utilizing interconnection appendices and kinematic mechanisms to prevent simultaneous closure by maintaining specific operating configurations, allowing one circuit breaker to remain open while the other can be freely switched between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking of manoeuvring levers is used to prevent simultaneous closure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based interlocking system. Magnets embedded in the actuating levers interact with corresponding magnets in the circuit breakers to create magnetic attraction forces that prevent simultaneous closure, eliminating complex mechanical locks while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using magnetic field strength and pole orientation instead of mechanical engagement. By configuring opposite magnetic poles to face each other, the system creates controllable magnetic attraction that achieves the interlocking function through field parameters rather than mechanical dimensions
2Reliability
If mechanical locking of manoeuvring levers is used, then simultaneous closure is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical stress on manoeuvring levers by substituting magnetic field interactions for mechanical locking. The magnetic attraction between oppositely polarized magnets provides the interlocking force without physical contact or mechanical stress, allowing smooth operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the actuating levers and circuit breakers. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits the interlocking force, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and reducing operational friction
3Ease of operation
If independent actuating levers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates without effective interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlocking with magnetic field-based interlocking, allowing independent actuating levers to operate freely while still preventing simultaneous closure through magnetic attraction forces between oppositely polarized magnets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field parameters (pole orientation, magnetic strength) to achieve interlocking without mechanical constraints, allowing independent levers to move freely while the magnetic field maintains the exclusive operation requirement
Data Source
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AI summary
An interlocking device (2) is described for interlocking at least a first and a second electrical circuit breaker (3R, 3L), that is, for preventing such circuit breakers (3R, 3L) from simultaneously assuming a closed state, comprising: a first and a second actuating lever (10R, 10L) independently movable between a first and a second actuating lever operating position (A_DOWN, A_UP), the first and the second actuating lever (10R, 10L) being operatively connectable respectively to the first and to the second electrical circuit breaker (3R, 3L), characterised in that said device comprises a first and a second kinematic mechanism(22R, 24R, 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R; 22L, 24L, 26L, 28L, 30L, 32L) respectively actuatable through the first and the second actuating lever (10R, 10L) and each suitable for assuming a first and a second operating configuration; each actuating lever (10R, 10L) being suitable for assuming: - a first operating state, wherein the actuating lever (10R) allows actuating the respective kinematic mechanism(22R, 24R, 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R) so that when such lever assumes the first or the second actuating lever operating position (A_DOWN, A_UP) the respective kinematic mechanism respectively assumes the first or the second operating configuration; and - a second operating state, in which the actuating lever (10R) is a substantially idle lever movable between the first and the second actuating lever operating position (A_DOWN, A_UP).