Low cost user adjustment, resistance to straying between positions, increased resistance to ESD, and consistent feel
US7592888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/74
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A user adjustment assembly for translating user-adjustable dial settings to tripping levels of an electronic trip unit includes a potentiometer and an adjustment button. The potentiometer is positioned inside a cover of the trip unit and includes a potentiometer button. The adjustment button is coupled to the potentiometer for mechanically adjusting it and includes an insulation disc for increasing resistance to electrostatic discharge, preventing contaminants from entering the printed wire assembly components, and preventing application of downward force to the potentiometer button. The insulation disc has a bottom surface that is dimensioned to be larger than the potentiometer button. The adjustment button includes one or more stops that trigger a fail safe operation mode where the tripping levels are automatically adjusted to higher or predetermined protective levels when the adjustment button is moved to those stop positions. Switch calibration is obviated and the simplified design reduces overall cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.