Modular Circuit Breaker Cut-Off Block Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical protection devices for circuit breakers lack modularity in their cut-off blocks, limiting flexibility and industrial efficiency in manufacturing and customization for different market requirements.
Innovation Solution
The cut-off block is designed as a modular assembly comprising distinct sub-assemblies for breaking, triggering, and arc extinguishing functions, allowing for simple mechanical connections and adaptable configurations to suit various pole counts and performance levels, with shielding plates to manage electric arcs and enhance electrodynamic repulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cut-off block is designed as a non-modular integrated structure, then the device structure is simpler, but the flexibility and adaptability for different market requirements are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-off block is divided into distinct modular sub-assemblies: breaking chambers, arc extinguishing chambers, and trigger mechanisms. Each sub-assembly can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. This segmentation enables flexibility in configuring different pole counts and performance levels while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and modular architecture.
2Productivity
If the cut-off block is manufactured as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing control is centralized, but industrial efficiency and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into independently manufacturable sub-assemblies that can be produced at different manufacturing sites with specialized expertise. The breaking blocks can be manufactured at sites equipped for precision mechanical control, while tripping blocks can be produced at sites with specialized knowledge in trigger mechanisms. This division of labor increases industrial efficiency and productivity while the modular assembly process manages overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sub-assemblies are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow them to be combined in different configurations. The same basic sub-assemblies can serve multiple functions across different pole counts and application scenarios, enabling mass production of common components while maintaining customization capability through different assembly combinations.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular sub-assemblies are used with simple mechanical connections, then assembly and customization are facilitated, but connection strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sub-assemblies incorporate standardized mechanical connection interfaces that balance ease of assembly with adequate connection strength. The segmentation allows for simple, tool-free or minimal-tool assembly operations while the designed interface geometry and material selection ensure sufficient mechanical strength and electrical reliability for circuit breaker applications.
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
This modular design enables efficient assembly, testing, and customization of circuit breaker devices, facilitating fast final assembly and adaptation to market needs while ensuring effective arc management and electrodynamic repulsion.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger block, which comprises for this purpose at least one actuator of the magnetic, or thermal, or even electronic type, which actuates the trigger with a view to tilting the lock
Implementation Method 2
the opening of the contacts and the extinction of the electric arc generated on this occasion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical protection device for at least one current line comprising a cutoff unit (1) and a triggering unit (2). Said cutoff unit (1) is modular and consists of separate subassemblies: a cutoff subassembly (5) comprising a number of cutoff chambers equal to the number of lines protected by the device and the mechanical lock (6); a trigger (8); and a number of arc-extinguishing subassemblies (9) corresponding to the number of lines protected by the device.