Independent Pivot Assembly for Circuit Breaker Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-voltage circuit breakers face misalignment and inadequate dielectric barriers due to manufacturing tolerance discrepancies and complex mounting mechanisms, leading to inconsistent performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A carrier assembly with independent pivot members that are clam-shelled between the molded cover and base of the circuit breaker housing, providing a robust dielectric barrier and eliminating the need for separate fasteners, thus improving alignment and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pivot pin is disposed directly between molded housing halves to form pivot recesses, then the structure is simple, but manufacturing tolerance discrepancies cause misalignment and poor dielectric barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pivot member that mediates between the molded housing halves and the carrier assembly. This pivot member includes a pivot recess that receives the pivot pin, and it is positioned between the housing halves to provide precise alignment and a strong dielectric barrier, eliminating the misalignment issues caused by direct mounting of the pivot pin between housing halves with molded-in semi-circles.
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to secure pivot members, then the mounting is secure, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivot member with the housing assembly by designing the pivot member to be夹持 (clamped) between the molded housing halves using the existing latch mechanism. The pivot member includes engagement features that interface with the housing halves, allowing it to be securely positioned without requiring separate fasteners. This reduces component count while maintaining secure mounting.
3Ease of manufacture
If molded semi-circles are used to form pivot recesses in housing halves, then the structure is simple, but the dielectric barrier between poles is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member serves as an intermediary element that provides an enhanced dielectric barrier between adjacent poles. It includes a body portion positioned between the housing halves that creates a substantial insulating barrier, and the pivot recess is formed in this body portion. This design maintains the simplicity of molded housing halves while significantly improving the dielectric barrier adequacy.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, including a housing having a molded cover and a molded base, a stationary contact assembly with stationary electrical contacts, and a movable contact assembly. The movable contact assembly includes at least one carrier assembly with a pivot, movable contact arms pivotably coupled to the carrier assembly, and movable electrical contacts coupled to the movable contact arms. The pivot assembly includes pivot members. Each pivot member includes an aperture for pivotably receiving the pivot of the carrier assembly in order that the carrier assembly is pivotably coupled between a corresponding pair of pivot members. Each pivot member is a separate independent component disposed between the molded cover and molded base of the circuit breaker housing. An electrical switching apparatus and a carrier assembly are also disclosed.