Trip Device Module for Circuit Breakers with Variable Inter-Phase Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit breakers face challenges in using a trip device module due to varying spacings between phases, leading to increased size and complexity, and difficulties in enhancing operational reliability, particularly with the integration of additional functions like trip alarming and time delay output.

Innovation Solution

A trip device module is designed with a case having arm receiving pockets for different inter-phase spacings, an actuator for generating manipulation force, a reset plate for initialization, and integrated time delay and trip signal output devices, allowing for compact configuration and enhanced reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trip device module is designed to accommodate different inter-phase spacings, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple receiving pockets and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different inter-phase spacingsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trip device module is designed with multiple arm receiving pockets (first arm receiving pocket and second arm receiving pocket) that can accommodate driving arms with different inter-phase spacings. This universal design allows a single trip device module to be used across different circuit breaker configurations, achieving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is divided into distinct receiving pockets (first arm receiving pocket for reset plate driving arm, second arm receiving pocket for movable contactor driving arms) that can independently receive different types of driving arms. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to match different inter-phase spacing requirements while maintaining a unified module structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional functions (trip alarming, time delay output) are integrated into the main body, then the functionality is improved, but the main body size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmain body size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trip alarming function and time delay output function are merged into the trip device module rather than being installed as separate devices in the main body. The trip slider integrates both the tripping mechanism and the alarming function, while the time delay output device is incorporated within the same module housing, reducing the overall main body size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trip device module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates manipulation force for tripping, provides trip alarming capability through the trip slider, and enables time delay output through the integrated time delay output device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, keeping the main body compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate devices are installed for additional functions, then the operational reliability can be enhanced, but the assembly time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (trip mechanism, alarming device, time delay output device) are merged into a single integrated trip device module that can be installed as one unit. This reduces the number of assembly steps and synchronization requirements compared to installing multiple separate devices, significantly reducing assembly time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated module provides multiple functions through unified design, where the trip slider simultaneously handles tripping and alarming, and the time delay output device is coordinated with the main shaft. This unified architecture reduces the complexity of synchronization between separate devices while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2015339B1Trip device module and circuit breaker implementing the same
Publication Date: 2010.06.02 LG INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO LTD
  • EP2015339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2015339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2015339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a trip device module and a circuit breaker having the same, the trip device module including: a case (141) having first and second arm receiving pockets (148,149) to receive and accommodate driving arms disposed at a main shaft of various different inter-phase spacings; an actuator (161) received in the case and having an output portion drawn out or introduced thereinto when the overcurrent relay outputs the trip signal; a reset plate (171) installed in the case to interwork with the main shaft (111) so as to initialize the output portion of the actuator; and a trip slider (181) configured to allow the switching mechanism to perform the tripping operation when the actuator performs the trip operation, whereby the same trip device module can be commonly used for devices with different inter-phase spacings, and a compact configuration and operational reliability can be ensured.