Miniature Circuit Breaker Locking Mechanism for Safe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature circuit breakers lack an anti-switching-on mechanism, leading to potential safety hazards due to improper installation and unstable operation, as they can be accidentally switched on or pulled out during use, causing false contacts and electric shocks.
Innovation Solution
A miniature circuit breaker design incorporating an anti-switching-on mechanism with a locking system that prevents switching on until properly installed, using a button mechanism with a first locking member and double torsion springs to ensure secure installation and prevent accidental activation or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button mechanism is used for switching on/off, then the operation is simple and convenient, but the circuit breaker can be accidentally pulled out or switched on when not properly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a locking mechanism that prevents the button mechanism from operating until the circuit breaker is properly installed. The locking member is positioned to block the button's movement path, and only when the circuit breaker is correctly installed does the locking member move to allow button operation. This pre-established protective action prevents accidental switching or removal before proper installation is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a locking member as an intermediary element between the button mechanism and the circuit breaker housing. This locking member acts as a mediator that controls the interaction between the button and the operating mechanism. When properly installed, the locking member transitions from a blocking position to an unlocked position, allowing the button to function. This intermediary component ensures that the button mechanism can only operate under the correct installation condition.
2Volume of moving object
If the circuit breaker is miniaturized, then it saves installation space, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing button mechanism structure. The locking member is integrated into the button assembly, sharing the same space and structural elements. The locking member utilizes the button's movement path and the existing housing features, combining two functions (locking and switching) into a unified structure. This merging approach adds safety functionality without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the miniaturized circuit breaker.
3Device complexity
If no anti-switching-on mechanism is provided, then the device structure is simple, but safety hazards occur due to improper installation or accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the locking member to block the button mechanism before installation occurs. The locking member is initially in a position that prevents any switching operation, and the act of proper installation itself triggers the unlocking action. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even if the circuit breaker is accidentally activated during installation, the locking mechanism prevents false switching or accidental removal, eliminating safety hazards without requiring complex additional control systems.
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
Ensures safe operation by preventing switching on unless the circuit breaker is correctly installed, reducing the risk of electric shocks and extending the service life by avoiding false contacts and improper usage.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking member is pivotally arranged on the circuit breaker housing
Implementation Method 2
using a button mechanism with a first locking member and double torsion springs
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature circuit breaker, which includes a button mechanism, a circuit breaker housing, and an anti-switching-on mechanism, wherein the button mechanism is arrange at one end of the circuit breaker housing and is in sliding fit with the circuit breaker housing, the anti-switching-on mechanism includes a first locking member, the first locking member is pivotally arranged on the circuit breaker housing, one end of the first locking member is in locking fit with the button mechanism to prevent the button mechanism from moving towards a switching-on direction, and after the miniature circuit breaker is installed to an installed position for the circuit breaker, an external housing of the installed position for the circuit breaker acts on the first locking member, so that after the first locking member is unlocked from the button mechanism, the button mechanism is capable of moving towards the switching-on direction for a switching-on operation.