Portable Motorized Racking Device for Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In larger power systems, human operators are at risk of injury or death when disconnecting or reconnecting draw-out air circuit breakers due to the proximity required for manual operation, which exposes them to arc-blast and flying debris during catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A portable, electrically driven racking device with an anti-torque mechanism that allows remote operation of draw-out power circuit breakers, equipped with a motor, gearbox, power supply, and remote control, along with a video camera for visual monitoring, enabling safe and controlled racking without permanent modifications to the circuit breaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of circuit breaker is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to proximity to arc-blast hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated electrical system. A portable actuator with motor drives the racking screw through a drive socket, eliminating the need for operators to manually rotate the screw while standing in close proximity to the circuit breaker, thereby substituting direct mechanical human operation with remote electrical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable actuator as an intermediary device between the operator and the circuit breaker. This actuator includes a motor, gearbox, and drive socket that mechanically couples to the racking screw, serving as a mediator that performs the dangerous racking operation at a distance while the operator controls it remotely via handheld controller
2Reliability
If portable racking device with motor is used, then operator safety is improved through remote operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that can be applied to different circuit breaker types and configurations. It integrates motor drive, gearbox, drive socket for mechanical coupling, anti-torque tang for reaction force, and wireless control capabilities into a single universal tool that works with various breaker designs without requiring permanent modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The portable actuator employs a nested structure where the drive socket with anti-torque tang is integrated within the actuator housing, which contains the motor and gearbox assembly. The entire actuator unit is designed to fit within or attach to the circuit breaker's existing structure, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If anti-torque tang is added to portable device, then operational control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-torque tang function with the drive socket structure. The drive socket not only transmits driving torque to the racking screw but also incorporates the anti-torque tang that engages with the circuit breaker's reaction surface to prevent actuator rotation. This combining of driving and anti-torque functions into a single integrated component simplifies the overall device structure
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 draw-out power circuit breakers, reducing the risk of injury by allowing operators to maintain a safe distance during maintenance or repair, while providing precise control and visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that is affixed to the circuit breaker and that is configured to rotate the racking screw
Data Source
AI summary
A portable motorized device for remotely inserting or removing (racking) draw-out power circuit breakers. Many different designs of draw-out circuit breakers may be connected or disconnected from an energized bus by a human operator cranking a jack screw mechanism that is part of the breaker. The device herein described provides a portable, motorized device that can be hand-carried to the work location and affixed to the circuit breaker without the need of any modification to the breaker or its enclosure. The torque that is required to operate the breaker's racking mechanism is provided by an electrically powered gear motor. Attached to the output shaft of the gear motor is a socket that engages the circuit breaker racking screw. Anti-torque is provided by a portion of the portable racking device that engages the racking screw support frame.