Single Actuator Switching System for Compact Circuit Breakers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, require additional poles and actuators for remote operation, increasing size, cost, and footprint, and sacrificing load circuit capacity.

Innovation Solution

A compact switching system with a single actuator and transfer assembly that uses a wireless communication device to move movable contacts between closed and open positions, employing a single motor and gear mechanism to perform both remote and traditional switching operations without additional contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional poles and actuators are added for remote operation, then remote functionality is achieved, but device complexity and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of poles and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote operation pole and the load circuit pole into a single shared pole structure. The same set of electrical contacts serves dual purposes: controlling the load circuit and enabling remote tripping functionality. This eliminates the need for separate additional poles and actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining both remote operation capability and load circuit functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal pole design where a single pole performs multiple functions. The first pole is configured to control both a load circuit and provide remote tripping capability through shared electrical contacts. This multi-functional approach allows the circuit breaker to handle both traditional switching operations and remote operation without requiring dedicated separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional poles are added for remote operation, then remote functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the remote operation contacts with the load circuit contacts into a single shared contact structure. This merging eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate additional poles and contacts, directly reducing material costs and assembly complexity. The single shared pole design requires fewer components overall, leading to lower manufacturing costs while achieving full remote operation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional actuators are added for each pole, then remote operation is enabled, but device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit breaker footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single actuator that operates the shared pole. Instead of requiring separate actuators for each pole, the design uses one actuator to control the single shared pole that handles both load circuit control and remote tripping. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required for actuator mounting and reduces the overall circuit breaker footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional poles are used for remote tripping, then remote functionality is achieved, but load circuit capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote tripping capabilityVSAvoidload circuit capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal pole where the same electrical contacts serve dual purposes: controlling the load circuit and enabling remote tripping. By making the pole and contacts multi-functional rather than dedicating separate poles to each function, the design maximizes the utilization of each component. This approach maintains full load circuit capacity on the shared pole while simultaneously providing remote tripping capability, eliminating the need to sacrifice load capacity for remote functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11631564B2Switching system, and electrical switching apparatus and switching assembly therefor

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A switching assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus of a switching system. The electrical switching apparatus includes a base. The switching system has a communication device. The switching assembly includes a number of contact assemblies coupled to the base, each of the contact assemblies having a stationary contact and a movable contact structured to move between a CLOSED position corresponding to engagement with the stationary contact, and an OPEN position corresponding to disengagement with the stationary contact; and a transfer assembly including an element and only one single actuator coupled to the element, the element being structured to be coupled to the base, the single actuator comprising a controller for receiving a signal from the communication device. The single actuator is structured to move the movable contact of each of the number of contact assemblies between the CLOSED position and the OPEN position.