Thermal Trip Device Insulating Housing Thermal Radiation Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal tripping devices in low-voltage electrical current cut-off systems, such as branch circuit breakers, face inaccuracies due to bent parts for bimetallic strip attachment, require welding and multiple parts, and suffer from thermal conduction and radiation issues between active and compensation bimetallic strips.
Innovation Solution
A thermal tripping device with a bimetallic strip fixedly mounted in an insulating housing, acting as a thermal screen to prevent radiation, eliminating the need for welding and reducing parts, adjustments, and thermal conduction, with a plastic support allowing limited deflection and pivot connection to prevent heat transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bent part is used to attach the compensation bimetallic strip to a metal part, then the attachment is achieved, but inaccuracy on the deflection of the bimetallic strip is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bent part from the attachment system entirely. Instead of using a bent part to connect the compensation bimetallic strip to the metal part, the invention directly attaches the bimetallic strip to the insulating support structure, eliminating the source of deflection inaccuracy while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating support structure as an intermediary element that directly receives and supports the bimetallic strip. This intermediary provides a stable, accurate mounting surface that eliminates the need for bent parts and their associated alignment adjustments, thereby improving deflection accuracy.
2Strength
If welding is used to attach the bimetallic strip, then strong attachment is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and requires adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical attachment system using the insulating support structure. The bimetallic strip is mechanically secured to the insulating support through direct mounting, eliminating welding operations and their associated complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support and attachment functions into a single insulating support structure. This structure both supports the bimetallic strip and provides the attachment mechanism, reducing the number of separate parts and eliminating the need for welding, thereby simplifying the overall device.
3Volume of moving object
If the active bimetallic strip is positioned close to the compensation bimetallic strip, then compact design is achieved, but thermal conduction and direct thermal radiation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating support structure as a thermal intermediary between the active and compensation bimetallic strips. This insulating material blocks direct thermal radiation and prevents thermal conduction pathways while maintaining the compact spatial arrangement of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an insulating support structure that acts as a thermal barrier film or shell between the two bimetallic strips. This insulating layer physically separates the thermal fields of the active and compensation strips while allowing the device to remain compact in overall dimensions.
4Reliability
If multiple parts are used for mounting the bimetallic strips, then secure mounting is achieved, but the number of adjustments required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mounting functions into a single integrated insulating support structure. This structure provides both support and secure mounting for the bimetallic strips simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and their associated alignment adjustments while maintaining secure attachment.
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
This design enhances accuracy, reduces thermal runaway, and simplifies assembly by eliminating welds and adjustments, while effectively preventing thermal conduction and radiation between bimetallic strips, improving the reliability of thermal tripping mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
said support being arranged relative to the active bimetallic strip in such a way that it forms a screen capable of protecting the compensation bimetallic strip from the thermal radiation generated by the active bimetallic strip
Implementation Method 2
limiting the number of adjustments to be made, and considerably reducing the phenomena of thermal conduction and direct thermal radiation from the active bimetallic strip to the compensation bimetallic strip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The device has a thermal protection device comprising an active metal strip (26) producing heat when an over current above a value of nominal intensity is produced and a compensation bimetal strip (27) to compensate for variations as changes of room temperature are determined in a temperature circuit. The compensation bimetal strip is partially and fixedly mounted in a housing placed in an insulating support (28). The support is arranged relative to the active bimetal strip to form a screen to protect the compensation bimetal strip against thermal radiation generated by the active metal strip. An independent claim is also included for a current breaking apparatus.