Pole Actuation Booster Mechanism for Circuit Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-poles low voltage circuit breakers face issues due to asymmetrical distribution of forces, leading to flexion/torsion problems and unbalanced performances during opening/closing operations, with existing solutions resulting in energy losses and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pole actuation booster mechanism that includes an operating shaft, a fixed contact, and a movable contact, with an elastic element connected to a lever, allowing energy transfer only when necessary, reducing friction and component complexity, thereby minimizing energy losses and enhancing uniform performance across poles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary mechanism with spring and mechanical couplings is added to compensate for asymmetric force distribution, then the flexion and torsion problems on driving shafts are mitigated, but the device complexity increases and energy losses due to friction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic fourth pole from the asymmetric force distribution system by positioning it opposite the second pole rather than adjacent to the first pole. This repositioning removes the source of unbalanced forces on the driving shaft, eliminating flexion and torsion issues without requiring additional compensating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention intentionally creates a symmetric arrangement of poles relative to the driving mechanism by placing the fourth pole opposite the second pole. This symmetric configuration balances the force distribution on the driving shaft, resolving the asymmetry problem that caused flexion and torsion in conventional four-pole circuit breakers.
2Reliability
If auxiliary mechanisms with multiple components are added to correct asymmetric force distribution, then pole performance uniformity is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for auxiliary correcting mechanisms by repositioning the fourth pole to a location where it naturally balances the force distribution. This removes the requirement for additional springs, couplings, and other components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a symmetric pole arrangement, the invention achieves uniform pole performance through the basic structural configuration alone, without requiring expensive auxiliary components. The symmetry itself becomes the solution, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing elements.
3Reliability
If mechanical couplings are used to compensate for asymmetric forces, then flexion/torsion problems are reduced, but energy losses due to friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the source of asymmetric forces by repositioning the fourth pole, which eliminates the need for mechanical couplings and springs. Without these intermediate components, there is no friction-induced energy loss, while the driving shaft remains stable due to the balanced force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric arrangement of poles creates balanced force distribution that stabilizes the driving shaft without requiring mechanical couplings. This direct force transmission path eliminates friction losses that would occur with intermediate mechanical components.
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
The booster mechanism effectively mitigates flexion/torsion issues and ensures uniform performance by decoupling from the driving shaft during most operations, reducing energy losses and simplifying the mechanical design, thus lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an operating assembly comprising at least an elastic element operatively connected to a lever, the first operating member being disengaged from said operating assembly during said first portion of its movement and engaged with said lever during said second and third portions of its movement
Data Source
AI summary
A pole actuation booster mechanism for a four-poles low voltage circuit breaker, which includes: a first operating member adapted to be operatively connected to the operating shaft of the circuit breaker and moving together with said shaft during its rotation from an open position to a closed position, and vice-versa, of said circuit breaker over a range of movement having a first, a second and a third portion of movement, the first operating member having a first operating end; an operating assembly including at least an elastic element operatively connected to a lever, the first operating member being disengaged from said operating assembly during the first portion of its movement and engaged with the lever during the second and third portions of its movement. During a closing operation of the circuit breaker the first operating member moves first along the first portion of movement driven by the operating shaft and disengaged from the operating assembly, then moves along the second portion of movement driven by the operating shaft and engaged with the lever and transmitting energy to the operating assembly; and finally moves along the third portion of movement driven by the lever and transmitting energy to the operating shaft.