Self-locking Connector Clip for Circuit Interrupters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting circuit interrupters to conductors in electrical devices like dead tank circuit breakers are costly and pose difficulties in accessibility and alignment, particularly due to the complexity of coaxial bolting or insulating support tubes.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking connector clip with a generally arcuate body and beveled legs is designed for removable insertion into a slot within the circuit interrupter housing, engaging with a groove on the conductor to provide secure interlocking without the need for tools or bolted connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolting or pinning methods are used to connect circuit interrupter to conductor, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the circuit interrupter with integrated groove, the conductor with integrated groove, and the separate clip component. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall connection process, eliminating the need for complex bolting or pinning structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed to be self-installing by engaging with grooves that are integral to the circuit interrupter and conductor structures. The grooves guide the clip into proper alignment and the interlocking geometry enables automatic securing without external fastening tools or additional components, making the system self-servicing.
2Reliability
If coaxial bolting is used for connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but accessibility and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove features act as intermediary elements that mediate between the circuit interrupter and conductor, providing alignment references and engagement guides. These grooves translate the complex coaxial alignment requirement into simple linear insertion motion, making the connection process accessible and easy to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are pre-formed as integral features of the circuit interrupter and conductor during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field alignment operations, as the grooves are already positioned and sized to receive the clip, thereby simplifying installation and improving accessibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If insulating support tubes are used to support circuit interrupter, then structural support is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged with the connection function by integrating the grooves directly into the circuit interrupter and conductor structures. The clip simultaneously provides both mechanical support and electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate insulating support tubes and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip component performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the circuit interrupter, establishes electrical connection between conductor and interrupter, and ensures proper alignment. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components including insulating support tubes.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip for connecting a conductor to a circuit interrupter in an electrical device is generally U-shaped and self-locking. The clip has a generally arcuate body and two generally linear legs. The legs extend vertically from the body. The legs have beveled edges that together with the generally arcuate body of the clip and a flat portion of the clip, allow an interlock to be formed between the clip and the conductor when the clip is in close contact with the conductor.