Remote Breaker Handle Mechanism for Fast Contact Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional motorized circuit breakers suffer from slow contact closure, leading to issues like extended arcing and contact degradation, which negatively affect performance.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker with a controller-driven internal handle mechanism and breaker mechanism that can transition between ON, OFF, and TRIPPED states, featuring a lockout mechanism to prevent manual operation and enable fast contact opening and remote control, using a solenoid and motor for rapid state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional motorized systems are used for circuit breaker operation, then the breaker can be automated, but the contact closure becomes slow leading to extended arcing and contact degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker mechanism is divided into two independent parts: an internal handle mechanism for opening/closing operations and a separate breaker mechanism for circuit protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the handle mechanism providing fast actuation and the breaker mechanism ensuring reliable contact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A solenoid actuator is introduced as an intermediary device between the control system and the breaker mechanism. The solenoid provides rapid electromagnetic actuation that overcomes the slow closure problem of traditional motorized systems, enabling fast contact closure while maintaining automation.
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent manual operation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism is integrated into the existing internal handle mechanism structure rather than being added as a separate external component. The lockout feature utilizes the same mechanical elements (handle, pivot points, cam surfaces) already present in the breaker, thereby providing safety functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Speed
If fast contact opening is implemented, then arcing is reduced, but control precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The breaker mechanism employs a cam-based periodic action system where the cam profile is specifically designed to provide controlled acceleration and deceleration during contact opening. This periodic motion pattern ensures fast opening speed while maintaining precise control through the predetermined cam geometry that regulates the timing and magnitude of mechanical forces.
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 fast contact opening and closure, reduces arcing, and prevents misuse through integrated lock-off, allowing remote control and compliance with safety standards while maintaining compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The breaker mechanism can include a solenoid operatively connected to be controlled by the controller
Implementation Method 2
A toggle spring can connect between a trip lever of the breaker mechanism and the moveable contact member. The toggle spring can be configured to over-center relative to the movable pivot point in motion back and forth between the ON state and the OFF state
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker includes a breaker body housing a circuit and a controller for controlling the circuit. An internal handle mechanism and breaker mechanism in the breaker body have three states. The three states include an ON state wherein the breaker mechanism is in the closed contact state and the internal handle mechanism is in an ON position, an OFF state in which the breaker mechanism is in the open contact state and the internal handle mechanism is in an OFF position, and a TRIPPED state in which the breaker mechanism is in the open contact state and the internal handle mechanism is in a TRIPPED position. The controller and motor are configured to drive the internal handle mechanism. A lockout mechanism is configured to allow the breaker mechanism to lock the breaker mechanism in the TRIPPED state with a lockout tag in a locked position.