Importance

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Abstract

The kinetic energy generated by the rapidly moving contact and coupled operating mechanism of a tripped circuit breaker or similar apparatus is dissipated by a compressible shock-absorbing assembly comprising a loose stack of freely-movable magnetized metal plates which is mounted in laterally-extending position on a stationary upstanding part of the breaker and is struck by a lever fastened to the main operating shaft of the breaker operating mechanism. The metal plates are freely movable toward and away from one another and are so magnetized that adjacent plates repel one another. The plates are accordingly normally spaced from each other and produce a series of sequentially-occurring impacts and collisions between the plates and the advancing striker lever when the breaker is tripped. The resulting series of momentum exchanges between adjacent plates and the lever quickly dissipates the kinetic energy developed by the trip sequence and brings the breaker operating mechanism and movable contact of the breaker to a smooth stop. The compressible multiple-impact assembly provides a compact shock absorbing means that is especially adapted for use in medium voltage circuit breakers (5 to 35 KV rating) of various types which is not only durable and efficient but very inexpensive and reliable. The improved shock absorber is also adapted for use in guns and the like which require a suitable means for counteracting the recoil produced when the gun is fired. In an alternative embodiment the metal plates are magnetized by induction using a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that is mounted within the circuit breaker and has pole pieces located on opposite sides of the stack of metal plates.

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First Claim