Protective Wiring Latch Mechanism for Low-Friction Fault Tripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical wiring devices with mechanical trip mechanisms are limited in structure and functionality, particularly in efficiently breaking connections between line and load terminals during fault conditions, leading to potential safety and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A protective wiring device with a unique mechanical trip mechanism that uses a solenoid assembly and latch mechanism at an angle to reduce frictional force, combined with a vibration-tolerant structural configuration and dual functioning auxiliary switch mechanism, to effectively break connections between line and load terminals by storing and releasing mechanical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical trip mechanisms are used to break connections between line and load terminals, then the device can achieve basic fault protection, but the structure is limited and frictional forces reduce reliability and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mechanical trip mechanism by using a solenoid assembly that pulls the latch block upward to break connections, rather than using springs and latches that push downward. This inversion reduces frictional forces between moving parts and improves reliability. The solenoid-driven upward motion of the latch block cleanly separates the line and load terminals from receptacle contacts, eliminating the friction issues inherent in conventional downward-pushing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the conventional mechanical spring-latch system with an electromechanical solenoid assembly. The solenoid converts electrical energy to mechanical motion to drive the latch block, providing more controlled and reliable connection breaking. This substitution reduces dependence on purely mechanical friction-based systems while maintaining mechanical advantage through the latch block design.
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical trip mechanisms are used, then the device can provide basic protective function, but frictional forces between moving parts reduce operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the direction of force application to upward motion via solenoid, the patent minimizes frictional contact between the latch block and guide surfaces. The upward pull creates cleaner separation with less sliding friction compared to conventional downward pushing mechanisms, thereby improving connection breaking efficiency and reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection breaking function into distinct components: the solenoid assembly for initiating motion, the latch block for force transmission, and the latch guide for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall frictional losses and improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If a robust mechanical trip mechanism is used to ensure reliable connection breaking, then safety is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch block serves multiple functions: it transmits solenoid force, guides the breaking motion, and directly contacts both line and load terminals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable connection breaking. The integrated design achieves robust protection without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the solenoid assembly with the latch mechanism into a compact integrated unit. The solenoid plunger directly connects to the latch block, eliminating intermediate transmission components. This merging reduces part count, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability needed for fault protection.
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
The solution enhances the efficiency and reliability of breaking connections during fault conditions, reducing frictional forces and improving safety and operational performance while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
A break spring is compressed between the reset button and latch block. The break spring stores mechanical energy in the reset state and releases energy in tripped state resulting in exerted force on latch block to line and load contacts.
Implementation Method 2
When the device receives a trip signal, the solenoid impacts the reset structure/latch, which then releases the latch block
Data Source
AI summary
A protective electrical wiring device including: a plurality of line terminals including a first line terminal and a second line terminal; a plurality of load terminals including a first load terminal and a second load terminal, wherein the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals are configured to be coupled to an AC electrical distribution system; a pair of contacts including a first contact and a second contact; and a latch block being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the latch block permits the first line terminal and the first load terminal to be in contact with the first contact and the second line terminal and second load terminal to be in contact with the second contact, wherein, when moving from the first position to the second position, the latch block advances at least one of the first line terminal and the first load terminal away from the first contact and at least one of the second line terminal and the second load terminal away from the second contact.