Plug-In Circuit Breaker Locking Structure for Misoperation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in circuit breakers have complex locking mechanisms that are bulky, difficult to implement, and often require multiple independent locking apparatuses, which increases the risk of misoperation and reduces the potential for miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in circuit breaker with a simplified locking mechanism that uses a single locking member integrated with the opening and closing button, allowing for multiple locking functions such as preventing installation in a closed state and locking in the operating position to prevent energized plug-in and plug-out operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to prevent potential safety hazards, then safety is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking function directly into the circuit breaker body by forming a locking protrusion that extends from the housing, eliminating the need for separate locking members and reducing structural complexity while maintaining safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion serves multiple functions: it prevents insertion when closed, prevents pulling out when closed, and provides visual indication of locking status, allowing a single structure to fulfill multiple safety and operational roles
2Reliability
If multiple sets of independent locking apparatuses are arranged in parallel to provide multiple protection functions, then safety coverage is improved, but the device occupies more space and cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions (preventing insertion, preventing removal, providing visual indication) into a single integrated locking protrusion structure, eliminating the need for multiple independent locking apparatuses and enabling device miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is designed to perform multiple protective functions simultaneously: it blocks cabinet limiting holes to prevent insertion/removal operations and provides visual feedback through window alignment, allowing one structure to replace multiple separate mechanisms
3Reliability
If multiple independent locking apparatuses are provided, then multiple protection functions are achieved, but the number of parts increases and installation becomes more tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion is formed as an integral part of the circuit breaker housing through molding or forming processes, eliminating the need for separate locking components and simplifying both manufacturing and installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking protrusion structure provides multiple protection functions (insertion prevention, removal prevention, visual indication) that would otherwise require multiple separate apparatuses, significantly reducing part count and installation complexity
4Reliability
If multiple locking protrusions extend out of the window, then multiple locking functions are provided, but misoperation risk increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having multiple protrusions extend outward to provide locking functions, the patent inverts the approach by having a single protrusion that, when retracted, allows operation, and when extended, prevents operation through cabinet limiting holes, improving user experience while maintaining safety
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug-in circuit breaker comprising a circuit breaker housing provided with a limiting hole and a opening and closing button, wherein the circuit breaker further includes a locking member, the locking member is rotatably arranged inside the circuit breaker housing, and has the upper portion close to the limiting hole provided with a locking protrusion fitting with the limiting hole, and the lower portion provided with a locking driving surface fitting with the opening and closing button; pressing the opening and closing button enables the opening and closing button to abut against the locking driving surface of the locking member, thus the locking protrusion of the driving locking member rotates to the limiting hole of the circuit breaker housing, when the limiting hole is not shielded, the opening and closing button jacks up the locking driving surface to enable the locking protrusion to extend out of the limiting hole, and the plug-in circuit breaker is closed, when the limiting hole is shielded, so that the locking protrusion cannot extend out of the limiting hole, thus the locking driving surface limits the opening and closing button, so that the opening and closing button cannot press to the destined position, and the plug-in circuit breaker cannot be closed. Just making one locking member fit with the opening and closing button enables a plurality of locking functions with simple structure and low costs.