Modular Circuit Breaker Assembly for Higher Circuit Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit breaker systems face limitations in optimizing the number of circuits or networks associated with switching mechanisms due to restrictive spacing between teeth on jumper bars, necessitating the use of different standards and complicating installation, especially in countries with culturally established technological norms.

Innovation Solution

A modular assembly system with interchangeable electromechanical components that allow for parallel connection of multiple circuits or networks without altering existing jumper bars, incorporating thermal relays, electromagnetic relays, and differential current measuring devices, enabling independent or simultaneous current interruption based on anomaly detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the spacing between teeth on jumper bars is reduced to fit more circuits, then the number of circuits per unit length increases, but the existing cultural and technological standards must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of circuits per unit lengthVSAvoidcompatibility with existing standards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the circuit breaker system into modular components: a standardized base unit compatible with existing jumper bars and a variable extension module. The base unit maintains compatibility with traditional spacing standards, while the extension module provides additional connection points with reduced spacing, allowing more circuits per unit length without forcing a complete standard change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extends the connection arrangement from a single linear row to multiple dimensions by adding extension modules that protrude perpendicular to the main jumper bar. This allows additional connection points to be accessed in a different spatial dimension, effectively increasing circuit density without compromising the original linear spacing standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If different standards are introduced to optimize circuit density, then the number of circuits increases, but the complexity of installation and technician training increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit densityVSAvoidnumber of standard types
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit of the invention is designed with universal compatibility for existing jumper bar standards, serving as a common platform that works with traditional spacing. The variable extension modules can be configured to provide additional connection density while maintaining interface compatibility, thus achieving higher circuit density without requiring technicians to learn entirely new standard types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension module acts as an intermediary between the standardized base unit and the requirement for higher circuit density. It provides the additional connection points needed for increased productivity while maintaining compatibility with existing standards through its interface design, thus mediating between conflicting requirements without forcing a complete standard replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If existing jumper bars are replaced with new standards, then circuit optimization is achieved, but installation work is complicated and existing infrastructure is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit optimizationVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention allows installation of the standardized base unit first, compatible with existing jumper bars and infrastructure. The variable extension modules are then added subsequently to optimize circuit density. This preliminary action approach enables circuit optimization without requiring complete replacement of existing jumper bars, thus maintaining installation simplicity and preserving existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of replacing existing jumper bars with new optimized standards (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the existing jumper bars and adding modular extension units that provide the optimization. This reverse approach achieves circuit optimization while avoiding the disruption and complexity of complete infrastructure replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enhances the number of circuits or networks per unit length of jumper bar, simplifies installation by maintaining cultural and technological standards, and facilitates discrimination between different electrical circuits or networks.

Implementation Method 1

at least one thermal relay 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal effect: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one electromagnetic relay 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a differential current measuring device 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3826046B1Electromechanical system for interrupting an electric current
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 HAGER ELECTRO SAS
  • EP3826046B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3826046B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3826046B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The object of the present invention relates to an electromechanical system for interrupting (1) an electric current exhibiting an overload anomaly and/or a short circuit and/or a residual current, comprising - at least one set (2) of current input connection terminals comprising at least, on the one hand, a connection terminal (2a) dedicated to the phase current and, on the other hand, a connection terminal (2b) dedicated to the neutral current, - at least one thermal relay (3) and/or an electromagnetic relay (4) and/or a differential current measuring device (5) coupled to a switch, characterized in that the interruption system (1) also comprises at least two sets (6) of current output connection terminals, each comprising at least one connection terminal (6a) dedicated to the phase current and one connection terminal (6b) dedicated to the neutral current, so that, on the one hand,Each output phase current connection terminal (6a) is connected to the input phase current connection terminal (2a) at a common node (7a), and, conversely, each output neutral current connection terminal (6b) is connected to the input neutral current connection terminal (2b) at a common node (7b).