Portable Motorized Racking Device for Drawout Circuit Breakers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Human operators in larger electrical power systems are at risk of serious injury or death when racking drawout circuit breakers due to the proximity to the breaker during maintenance, as catastrophic failures can result in arc-blast and flying debris.
Innovation Solution
A portable electrically driven racking system that allows for remote operation of drawout power circuit breakers, featuring a gearmotor, gearbox, power supply, circuitry for bi-directional motor control, a video camera for visual monitoring, and a controller with an operator interface, enabling safe and controlled racking from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a human operator manually racks a circuit breaker by rotating the racking screw, then the operation is simple and direct, but the operator is exposed to arc-blast and flying debris hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical racking system with an automated electrical system. A portable motorized device with an electric motor, gearbox, and drive socket automatically rotates the racking screw through electrical power, eliminating the need for manual rotation and allowing operators to perform racking from a safe distance while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a portable motorized racking device is introduced to enable remote operation, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motorized racking system into separable components: a portable motorized unit containing the electric motor and gearbox, a drive socket interface, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved while maintaining portability and ease of attachment to existing circuit breakers without permanently modifying the breaker or enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable motorized device as an intermediary between the operator and the circuit breaker. This intermediary contains the complex mechanical and electrical components (motor, gearbox, drive socket, locking mechanism) that enable automated racking, while the operator simply needs to position and activate the device from a safe distance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote operation is implemented using a portable motorized device, then operator proximity to hazards is reduced, but the portability and ease of transport must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the motorized racking device with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities. The device can be quickly attached to and removed from circuit breakers of various types, allowing it to be used across multiple applications. The locking mechanism ensures secure attachment during operation while enabling rapid deployment and storage, maintaining portability despite the added motorized 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
Enables safe and remote operation of drawout circuit breakers, reducing the risk of injury by maintaining operator distance during racking operations and providing real-time visual feedback and torque monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor operatively attached to a drive socket for engaging a racking screw associated with the drawout circuit breaker
Implementation Method 2
a gearmoter that has an electrically-driven motor connected to a gearbox
Data Source
AI summary
A portable motorized racking device and system are disclosed for remotely racking (inserting or removing) drawout circuit breakers. The racking device provides a portable, motorized device that can be hand carried to a work location and affixed to the circuit breaker without the need of any modification to the breaker or its enclosure. In one embodiment, among others, the torque that is required to operate the breaker racking mechanism is provided by an electrically powered gearmotor. Attached to the output shaft of the gearmotor is a socket that engages the circuit breaker racking screw. An anti-rotation plate engages a feature, such as a bolt head, opening, hole, or edge, on the racking screw support frame or the breaker face to prevent the gearmotor from rotating while the socket rotates the racking screw.