Compact Slider Actuator for High-Density Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator assemblies for explosion-proof circuit breaker enclosures are large in size, leading to reduced density of circuit breakers and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for larger enclosures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact actuator assembly comprising a slider actuator and handle assembly that allows for the toggling of electrical switches between 'on' and 'off' positions within sealed enclosures, featuring a drive link with first and second surfaces, a trip bracket with ears, and a shaft connecting the handle to the trip bracket, enabling rotation and linear movement to toggle circuit breakers without requiring additional spacing between adjacent breakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional actuator assemblies are used, then the circuit breakers can be toggled between on and off positions, but the actuator assemblies are large in size requiring additional spacing between adjacent circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into separate functional components: a handle assembly for external operation, a shaft for transmission, a trip bracket with ears for engagement, and a slider actuator for linear motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space required compared to a monolithic actuator design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rotational motion alone to a combination of rotational and linear motion dimensions. The shaft converts rotational motion from the handle to linear motion of the slider actuator through the trip bracket mechanism. This dimensional change allows for more compact positioning and higher density arrangement of circuit breakers within the enclosure.
2Reliability
If conventional actuator assemblies are used, then the circuit breakers can be operated safely in explosion-proof enclosures, but the enclosures must be larger in size increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly, shaft, trip bracket, and slider actuator are merged into a single integrated actuator mechanism that operates entirely within the explosion-proof enclosure boundaries. The handle extends through the enclosure cover but the critical actuation components remain inside, maintaining safety while reducing overall enclosure size through efficient space utilization.
3Ease of operation
If additional spacing is provided between adjacent circuit breakers, then conventional actuator assemblies can be installed, but the density of circuit breakers in the enclosure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the motion parameter from purely rotational to a combination of rotational and linear motion. The slider actuator's linear movement along the shaft's axis allows for more precise positioning and reduced spacing requirements between adjacent circuit breakers, while maintaining ease of operation through the external handle mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly for actuating an electrical switch housed in sealed electrical enclosure is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes a handle assembly including a handle positioned on an exterior of a cover of the sealed enclosure, a trip bracket positioned within the sealed enclosure and a shaft connecting the handle to the trip bracket. A slider actuator is slidably mounted over an electrical switch positioned within the enclosure and operatively associated with or coupled to a toggle of the electrical switch. The slider actuator has a drive link which is adapted to engage the trip bracket such that rotation of the handle activates the drive link which causes linear movement of the slider actuator to move the electrical switch between on and off positions. The use of the slider actuator allows a higher density of electrical switches to be stacked within the sealed enclosure.