Remote Breaker Handle Actuation for Arc-Blast Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a portable handheld device for safely operating molded case circuit breakers from a distance, exposing individuals to potential arc-blast hazards during manual operation.

Innovation Solution

A portable handheld control device (HCD) with an engagement fixture and actuating arms that allow remote operation of circuit breaker handles, featuring manual or motor-driven actuation to move the handle between on and off positions, maintaining a safe distance from the arc-blast.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct hand operation of MCB is used, then ease of operation is improved, but exposure to arc-blast hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidexposure to arc-blast hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a handheld control device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the circuit breaker. The device includes an engagement fixture that couples to the circuit breaker handle and actuating arms that transmit force remotely, allowing the operator to operate the MCB without direct hand contact and maintain safe distance from potential arc-blast hazards while still enabling precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If remote operation device is implemented, then safety from arc-blast is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from arc-blastVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld control device is segmented into distinct functional components: an engagement fixture with aperture for capturing the circuit breaker handle, actuating arms (including a long arm for distance and a short arm for leverage), and elongated actuating members (rods or cables). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent offers two embodiments: a manual mechanical system using pivot handles and direct mechanical linkage, and an automated system using motors and control circuits. The mechanical substitution principle allows flexibility in choosing between simple manual operation and more complex automated control based on specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual actuation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoperator exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Even in the manual actuation embodiment, the device serves as an essential intermediary that transmits force from the operator's hand (on the pivot handle) through the actuating arms and rods to the circuit breaker handle. This mechanical intermediary allows the operator to apply force remotely through the long arm structure, maintaining distance from the circuit breaker and reducing exposure risk while keeping the device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If motorized actuation is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized embodiment replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with an electric motor that receives electrical power and converts it to mechanical motion to drive the actuating members. While this adds complexity, it eliminates the need for the operator to physically manipulate the circuit breaker handle or apply force through the mechanical linkage, thereby improving safety by completely removing the operator from proximity to potential hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12412718B1Handheld control device to mechanically operate molded case circuit breakers from a distance

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 CBS ARCSAFE INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a handheld control device (HCD) for remotely operating molded case circuit breakers. The HCD has an engagement fixture with a rectangular aperture for capturing a circuit breaker handle of a molded case circuit breaker. The fixture is attached to a central part of an actuating short arm. The actuating short arm is attached perpendicularly and pivotally to an elongated long arm that is of sufficient distance to protect an operator from hazardous arcing. Right and left elongated actuating members (e.g., rods, cables) extend along the long arm and attach to respective end portions of the actuating short arm. In one embodiment, a pivot handle manually moves the elongated actuating members to move the actuating short arm and consequently the fixture and handle. In another embodiment, a motor is controlled to move the elongated actuating members to move the actuating short arm and consequently the fixture and handle.