Patent ID: 7557682
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. An opening clapper assembly for a circuit breaker, said circuit breaker having at least one pair of separable contacts and an operating mechanism, said separable contacts structured to move between an open position, wherein the contacts are separated and not in electrical communication and a closed position, wherein the contacts engage each other and are in electrical communication, said operating mechanism coupled to said separable contacts and structured to cause said separable contacts to move between said open position and said closed position, said operating mechanism including an opening solenoid assembly, said opening solenoid assembly structured to actuate said operating mechanism to cause the circuit breaker operating mechanism to open said separable contacts, said opening solenoid assembly having an opening clapper assembly structured to move between a first position and a second position, said opening solenoid assembly having a mass limit, said opening clapper assembly comprising: a body assembly with an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a medial pivot point; and said body assembly having a mass of between about 20% and 30% of the mass limit of said opening solenoid assembly.