Movable Coupling Arms for Misaligned Circuit Breaker Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers lack a suitable method for coupling with accessories when the signal transmission axes of the circuit breaker and accessory are not aligned, limiting effective signal transmission and operation in tandem arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An interface module with movable coupling arms and assemblies that allow for angular and linear movement, enabling signal transmission between circuit breaker and accessory even when their signal transmission axes are not collinear, and incorporating mechanisms for force amplification and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit breakers use fixed alignment coupling for accessory devices, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but signal transmission is limited when signal transmission axes are not aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coupling arm movable rather than fixed. The coupling arm can rotate and change its orientation to align with the signal transmission axis of the accessory device, enabling effective signal transmission even when the circuit breaker and accessory are not initially aligned. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving adaptability to different alignment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arm serves as an intermediary element between the circuit breaker's trip shaft and the accessory device's receiver. It mediates the signal transmission by being able to orient itself appropriately, allowing the signal to be transmitted effectively even when the main axes of the circuit breaker and accessory are not collinear. This intermediary mechanism enables adaptability without requiring complex direct coupling structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tandem circuit breakers are used with non-collinear signal transmission axes, then space utilization is improved, but signal transmission between circuit breaker and accessory is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The movable coupling arm enables the system to adapt to non-collinear arrangements by dynamically adjusting its orientation. When circuit breakers are arranged in tandem with non-collinear signal transmission axes, the coupling arm can rotate to the appropriate angle to maintain effective signal transmission, thus enabling flexible space utilization without sacrificing transmission reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coupling structures are used for accessory devices, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but the system cannot accommodate misaligned signal transmission axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable coupling arm that can rotate to align with the accessory's signal transmission axis. This dynamic element adds only minimal complexity to the coupling mechanism while providing the necessary adaptability to handle misaligned axes, representing an efficient balance between complexity and functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
An interface module (120) is configured for transmitting a status change signal between a first circuit device (1110) that has a first circuit device couple and a second circuit device (1130) that has a second circuit device couple. The interface module (120) may include a housing (400), a first coupling assembly that includes a first couple arm (425B) and a second coupling assembly that includes a second couple arm (495). Each of the first (425B) and second couple arms (495) extends through the housing (400) at a location that is spaced from the other and each of the first (425) and second coupling assemblies (430) is movable by the first circuit device couple and/or the second circuit device couple to transmit a status change signal there between.