Movable Contact Spring Mechanism for Circuit Breaker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line protection devices, such as circuit breakers and differential devices, face challenges in ensuring easy assembly and maintenance of articulation sub-assemblies without affecting the pivoting of movable contacts or the operation of torsion springs, while maintaining a stable electrical and mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
The design features cylindrical housings with straight grooves for guiding the shaft and spiral torsion/compression springs with straight and curved ends, providing a stable bearing zone and facilitating easy insertion and positioning of the hinge sub-assembly, ensuring correct operation and positioning of the movable contact and its shaft within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible conductive braid is used for connection, then the electrical connection is maintained during relative rotation, but the assembly and maintenance of the articulation sub-assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible conductive braid from the articulation sub-assembly, extracting the electrical connection function to a fixed support that remains stationary relative to the housing. This simplifies the articulation sub-assembly while maintaining electrical connection through a different architectural approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fixed support as an intermediary element that provides both mechanical support for pivoting and electrical connection. This mediator separates the rotational movement function from the electrical connection function, allowing the movable contact to pivot without requiring a flexible braid.
2Strength
If the movable contact is firmly fixed to the contact carrier, then the mechanical connection is strong, but the controlled rotational movement for contact force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection into two independent parts: a fixed support that provides strong mechanical anchoring to the housing, and a movable contact that pivots independently on the fixed support. This segmentation allows the movable contact to rotate freely while maintaining a strong fixed connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different connection qualities at different locations: the fixed support has a rigid, strong connection to the housing for mechanical stability, while the movable contact has a pivoting connection to the fixed support that allows controlled rotational movement for contact force adjustment.
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 configuration allows for easy assembly and maintenance of the articulation sub-assembly, maintaining the stability and operation of the movable contact and its shaft, ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections and effective line protection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spiral torsion spring substantially coaxial with said shaft and allowing the exercise of the contact force
Implementation Method 2
two spiral torsion/compression springs arranged substantially coaxial with said shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device with at least one movable contact for a protective apparatus, having a number of recesses equal to the number of movable contacts, a mounting which is stationary relative to the casing which enables the pivoting of said movable contacts and two torsion/compression spiral springs located on either side of the pivoting connection. The springs comprise a straight end provided such as to rest against an inner surface of the recess, and a curved end provided such as to catch on a tab projecting from the end of the movable contact arranged in the recess. The tab and the curved end of the spring are configured and oriented such that the latter exerts a dual force on the tab. Said tab additionally exerts a force substantially along the same line but in the opposite direction of the reaction force of the inner surface on the straight end resting on said surface.