RCBO Terminal Layout With Flexible N Pole Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing residual current operated circuit breakers (RCBOs) face issues with poor reliability, increased installation costs, and inconvenient wiring due to structural limitations, particularly with the absence of a protective N pole connection flexible conductor and the need for special distribution boxes.

Innovation Solution

A compact residual current operated circuit breaker design featuring a housing with separate accommodating chambers for electromagnetic and leakage trip apparatuses, enhanced terminal assemblies for L and N pole connections, and a flexible conductor assembly for improved safety and installation convenience, allowing for larger current carrying capacity and reduced space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RCBOs have the same width as compact products with leakage detection and N pole connection flexible conductors on the left side, then the product length increases, but a special distribution box is still needed for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection functionVSAvoidproduct length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the N pole connection flexible conductor from the left side to the right side of the product, and places the terminal assembly on the front face of the housing. This spatial redistribution in multiple dimensions allows the product to maintain compact length while preserving all protection functions, eliminating the need for special distribution boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If RCBOs have the same dimensions as compact products but lack an N pole connection flexible conductor, then the product installation cost increases, but the convenience of wiring by a user has room for improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct installation costVSAvoidconvenience of wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the N pole connection flexible conductor with the terminal assembly into a unified structure on the front face of the housing. This merging of components maintains compact product dimensions while providing both the protective function and convenient wiring access, allowing users to perform wiring operations directly on the front face without additional installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the N pole connection flexible conductor lacks the basic protection function of the RCBO, then the reliability of the product is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring convenienceVSAvoidproduct reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the N pole connection flexible conductor to serve dual functions: it provides convenient wiring access for users while simultaneously maintaining the basic protection function of the RCBO. The flexible conductor is positioned and configured to enable both user-friendly wiring operations and reliable leakage protection, ensuring the product maintains its protective capabilities while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides enhanced protection functions, improved reliability, and simplified installation and wiring processes, eliminating the need for special distribution boxes while ensuring optimal safety and space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic trip apparatus and an arc extinguishing apparatus, disposed in the first accommodating chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic trip apparatus and an arc extinguishing apparatus, disposed in the first accommodating chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc discharge: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP3385974B1Residual current operated circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3385974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3385974B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3385974B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a residual current operated circuit breaker (100). The circuit breaker comprises: a housing (10); an electromagnetic trip apparatus and an arc extinguishing apparatus; a first operating mechanism and a second operating mechanism; a leakage trip apparatus; a first terminal assembly (71), with an installation gap being provided on one side of an installation housing, the first terminal assembly being capable of running through the installation gap and being clamped in a space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a second terminal assembly (72), being accommodated in the first accommodating chamber; a third terminal assembly (51), being accommodated in the second accommodating chamber; a flexible conductor assembly having a contact opening/closing function, being accommodated in the second accommodating chamber. A product of the residual current operated circuit breaker according to the present invention has a better protection function, a housing has a more compact structural layout, and a process of product installation and wiring is more convenient and reliable.