Miniature Circuit Breaker Opening Mechanism for Compact Remote Tripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature circuit breakers lack leakage protection and remote operation capabilities, have large volumes, and require complex, time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact miniature circuit breaker design with an improved opening and closing mechanism, incorporating a handle, latch, trip bar, movable contacts, and electromagnetic coils for integrated short-circuit, overload, and leakage protection, allowing remote operation and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional devices are connected together to form a circuit breaker with leakage protection and remote operation capabilities, then the functional requirements are met, but the volume becomes large and the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional devices (MCB, RCD, and remote operating switch) into a single unified circuit breaker structure. The operating mechanism includes a handle connected to a latch mechanism that controls both the MCB contacts and RCD contacts, merging what would traditionally be separate devices into one compact unit that meets all functional requirements while reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker is designed with multi-functional capability, incorporating short-circuit protection, overload protection, leakage protection, and remote operation functions within a single device. The operating mechanism can perform both automatic tripping functions and manual/remote switching operations, making the device universal and eliminating the need for multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional devices are connected together to form a circuit breaker with leakage protection and remote operation capabilities, then the functional requirements are met, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional devices (MCB, RCD, and remote operating switch) into a single unified circuit breaker structure. The operating mechanism includes a handle connected to a latch mechanism that controls both the MCB contacts and RCD contacts, merging what would traditionally be separate devices into one compact unit that meets all functional requirements while reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker is pre-assembled as an integrated unit with all components (operating mechanism, contacts, coils, and protective elements) already connected and configured. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and wire connections, allowing for quick installation and reducing the risk of assembly errors.
3Device complexity
If conventional MCB structure is used, then the design is simple, but the volume is large and cannot meet miniaturization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the RCD trip mechanism and remote operating coils are integrated within the space occupied by the MCB operating mechanism. The closing coil and opening coil are positioned around the handle assembly, and the RCD contacts are nested within the same housing, achieving compact miniaturization while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker utilizes three-dimensional space optimization by arranging components in multiple layers and dimensions within the housing. The operating mechanism operates in one plane while the RCD mechanism operates in another, and the coils are positioned vertically around the handle shaft, effectively using spatial dimensions to reduce the overall footprint and achieve miniaturization.
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 design achieves miniaturization, simplified assembly, and enhanced functionality with integrated protection features, ensuring safety and efficiency in electrical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a closing actuating mechanism comprising a closing coil and a movable closing armature surrounded by the closing coil, the closing armature being connected to and driving the operating mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an opening actuating mechanism comprising an opening coil and a movable opening armature surrounded by the opening coil, the opening armature being arranged in correspondence with the trip bar and being movable to drive the trip bar to be unlocked with the latch
Data Source
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AI summary
The present utility model relates to an opening and closing mechanism and a miniature circuit breaker. The opening and closing mechanism is applicable to a miniature circuit breaker and includes: an operating mechanism including a handle, a latch connected to the handle, a trip bar capable of being locked with or unlocked from the latch, and a contact support frame supporting the latch and the trip bar; two movable contacts, respectively and pivotally mounted on the contact support frame; a closing actuating mechanism comprising a closing coil and a movable closing armature surrounded by the closing coil, the closing armature being connected to and driving the operating mechanism, and the closing coil having a connection terminal of a control circuit board; and an opening actuating mechanism comprising an opening coil and a movable opening armature surrounded by the opening coil, the opening armature being arranged in correspondence with the trip bar and being movable to drive the trip bar to be unlocked with the latch.