Rotary Circuit Breaker Control with Gear Fork Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary control systems for circuit breakers lack precise and user-friendly mechanisms for manual operation and locking in overload or short-circuit scenarios, particularly in molded case devices with secondary covers that require both rotary and translational movements.
Innovation Solution
A gear mechanism with a fork and torsion spring system, combined with a padlocking slide and locking stud, facilitates the transmission of rotary movements to a lever, enabling precise control and locking in specific positions, ensuring safe operation and preventing accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary control system is implemented in a circuit breaker with a secondary cover, then the control mode can be changed and manual operation is enabled, but the mechanism becomes complex requiring gear mechanisms, forks, and locking means to transmit rotational movement to the lever
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary cover is designed to accommodate both a simple lever control and a rotary control mechanism. The cover itself serves multiple functions: as a protective enclosure, as a mounting structure for the rotary control, and as a interface for user interaction. This allows the same component to support different control modes without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A fork mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotary handle and the control lever. The fork receives rotational movement from the handle through a gear mechanism and converts it into the appropriate motion to actuate the lever. This intermediary component simplifies the overall design by providing a dedicated translation mechanism rather than requiring a complex direct coupling system.
2Reliability
If locking means are added to secure the handle in opening and closing positions, then safety is improved by preventing accidental operation, but the device complexity increases with additional locking studs, slides, and spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the use of spring-loaded locking studs that automatically engage with notches on the cam profile when the handle reaches predetermined positions. The springs provide the necessary force to maintain locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The system locks itself based on the natural movement of the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking studs are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage automatically when the handle approaches the opening or closing positions. The cam profile is designed with notches that correspond to these positions, so the locking action occurs as a natural consequence of the handle's movement rather than requiring separate locking actions.
3Ease of operation
If a cam profile with V-shaped recesses and flat portions is used to guide the fork, then precise positioning and assisted operation are achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile incorporates distinct local features: V-shaped recesses for precise positioning in opening/closing states, flat portions for stable intermediate positions, and inclined surfaces for assisted movement transitions. Each region of the cam is optimized for its specific function, allowing the mechanism to achieve precise control and user assistance without requiring the entire cam to meet the highest precision tolerances uniformly.
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 enhances the precision and safety of manual control operations by allowing assisted movement between stable positions and secure locking, preventing accidental opening or closing of electrical lines, thus ensuring reliable electrical cut-off functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring being mounted between a cam of the fork and said plate in order to elastically urge the fork towards its two stable end positions
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotatable control system for an electric apparatus for cutting off at least one line in the event of an overload or a short-circuit, said system being arranged on a secondary cover (2) that is pivotably removable relative to the casing (1) of the apparatus, and provided for: manually closing or opening the line(s) monitored by the apparatus while passing the rotational movements, between two abutments of a rotatable handle (6) rotatably connected to said secondary cover (2), to a lever (5) which projects from a primary cover of the casing (1) and which is directly and mechanically connected to the mechanical lock of the apparatus; and sending the movement of said lever (5) back to the rotatable handle (6) in the event that the lock is opened. Said system is characterized in that it comprises a gear mechanism (11, 12) that transmits the rotational movement of the rotatable handle (6) to a fork (9) pivotably mounted in the secondary cover (2), the two arms (10a, 10b) of the fork being arranged on either side of the lever (5), and a means (7, 44, 46, 48a, 48b) for locking the handle (6) in both manually opened and closed positions of the line(s).