Abstract:
A device for transferring motion from a manual lever to a reset lever of a pressure trip mechanism in a molded case circuit breaker. The pressure trip mechanism is activated when hot gasses are released during an arc event and the resultant increase in pressure forces a piston in the mechanism to expand and thereby activate the breaker. In some interruption events, hot gasses, and occasionally fragments of molten metal, are responsible for marring the plastic piston surface of the pressure trip mechanism and prevent the mechanism from returning to its pre-interruption position even when it is biased to the pre-interruption position with a spring. A configuration disclosed herein provides for linking the motion of the hand-driven manual lever used to reset the breaker to the reset lever connected to the pressure trip mechanism in order to force the pressure trip mechanism to return to its pre-interruption position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to resetting a circuit breaker following a trip event, and, more particularly, to a mechanism for resetting a reset lever in pressure trip molded case circuit breaker following a trip event that fouls an internal surface of the breaker. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) can incorporate a pressure sensitive trip mechanism, sometimes called a piston trip, to detect over current events and trip the breaker. Internal to the MCCB, a chamber houses two electrical contacts that are configured to separate due to electrodynamic forces generated when the current flowing through the contacts is excessively high. When the contacts separate, an arc occurs as the air between the contacts ionizes and electrical energy arcs between the contacts. The energy released during the arc heats the gas in the chamber and increases the pressure within the chamber. The chamber housing the contacts is sometimes referred to as a breaking unit. The breaking unit is in fluid communication with a piston trip pressure sensitive unit, which is another chamber that includes a movable surface that moves in response to the pressure increase communicated from the breaking unit. In some breakers, the movable surface is a piston moving within a cylinder. In others, the movable surface is one side of a lever that pivots when the pressure increases. The movement of the movable surface then activates a trip mechanism through a mechanical linkage. The trip mechanism can be configured to break multiple poles of an electrical circuit simultaneously. Such an MCCB generally incorporates exhaust vents for venting the high pressure gas following the activation of the trip mechanism. 
         [0003]    An MCCB incorporating a pressure sensitive trip mechanism (also referred to as a piston trip module) generally incorporates a bias for biasing the movable surface in a normal operating position. A piston trip module incorporating a bias is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,874 to Morel et al. A spring can be used to bias the movable surface. During the arc, the movable surface moves against the force of the bias to activate the trip mechanism due to the high pressure created by the heated gas. Once the trip mechanism is activated, the arc halts. With the gasses no longer heated, the pressure in the breaking unit returns to normal. The return of normal pressure may be assisted by venting the heated gas into exhaust vents. After the pressure has stabilized, the bias causes the movable surface to return to the normal operating position. 
         [0004]    Occasionally, however, the interior surface that the movable surface moves along is damaged during the arc fault event by hot gasses and molten metallic debris generated during the arc. Hot gasses and debris can become imbedded in the interior surface or otherwise foul the interior surface. The damage to the interior surface can impede the movement of the movable surface as it is returned to its normal operating position under the force of the bias. When the force of the bias is unable to return the movable surface to its normal operating position due to the fouled interior surface, the MCCB may trip while operating. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Provided herein is an apparatus for resetting a piston trip incorporated in an electrical circuit breaker. The apparatus provides for transferring motion from a manual reset lever, also called a breaker handle, of the electrical circuit breaker to a reset lever of the piston trip. The breaker handle can be a hand-driven lever of the electrical circuit breaker that is used to reset a trip mechanism within the breaker following a trip event. The reset lever of the piston trip can be a component mechanically linked to a movable surface within the piston trip. A mechanical coupling is achieved between the breaker handle and the movable surface through the use of a connecting element. The connecting element links the motion of the breaker handle to the motion of the movable surface. During a reset operation of the electrical circuit breaker, the breaker handle is moved to an off position. Moving the breaker handle to the off position causes a component mechanically linked to the breaker handle to push against the connecting element and the connecting element to push against the component mechanically linked to the movable surface. 
         [0006]    According to a configuration of the present disclosure, the connecting element can be a lever generally shaped like a wedge that is configured to rotate about a pivot. The lever can have a first surface that contacts the component mechanically linked to the breaker handle. The lever can have a second surface that contacts the component mechanically linked to the movable surface. Additionally, the connecting element can have a first and second nodule useful for retaining the connecting element in a desirable position and for ensuring that the connecting element is placed in its correct position during an assembly operation of the electrical circuit breaker. An electrical circuit breaker utilizing the connecting element disclosed herein to mechanically link the motion of the breaker handle to the motion of the movable surface can advantageously avoid tripping while operating. The connecting element ensures that the movable surface is properly returned to its reset position following a trip event. 
         [0007]    The foregoing and additional aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided next. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram showing the piston trip in a normal operating state. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a block diagram showing the piston trip during an over current event. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1C  is a block diagram showing the piston trip which will trip while operating unless it is forcibly reset. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1D  is a block diagram showing the piston trip being reset through the use of the connecting element. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1E  is a block diagram showing a piston trip in a normal operating state incorporating an alternative design choice. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a piston trip. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of an electrical circuit breaker. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2C  shows a close view of the mechanical linkage between the breaker handle and the movable surface during a normal operating condition of the electrical circuit breaker. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2D  shows a close view of the mechanical linkage between the breaker handle and the movable surface during a reset operation of the electrical circuit breaker. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  provides an aspect view of the connecting element. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  provides a front aspect view of a connecting element incorporating a retaining bar. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) in an on position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the MCCB in a tripped position following an arc fault event. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of the MCCB being reset with the MCCB in an off position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]      FIGS. 1A through 1E  provide a series of functional block diagrams symbolically illustrating a piston trip in different operating states. The piston trip illustrated can be incorporated into an electrical circuit breaker, such as a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB). The piston trip can be used to detect over current events and activate a trip mechanism. The functional block diagrams shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1E  illustrate aspects of the piston trip useful for understanding the operation of a mechanical linkage disclosed herein. The mechanical linkage resets the piston trip by providing a connection between the motion of a manual reset handle of the electrical circuit breaker to the reset of the piston trip. Aspects of the present disclosure provide for a connecting element for linking the motion of the manual reset handle to the motion of a movable surface within the piston trip. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a functional block diagram  160  showing the piston trip in a normal operating state. It should be noted that the functional block diagram  160  is not intended to illustrate all of the mechanical interrelationships among the illustrated components, but does illustrate symbolically the functional interactions among the components. The functional block diagram  160  includes a pair of electrical contacts  112  within a chamber  110 . Alternatively, the pair of electrical contacts  112  can be housed within another chamber in fluid communication with the chamber  110 . A portion of the interior boundary of the chamber  110  is defined by a movable surface  120 . The movable surface  120  can be a piston driven through a sheath or can be a portion of a lever. The movable surface is shown in a first position and is maintained in the first position by a bias  122 . The bias  122  applies a force to the movable surface  120  opposing its direction of motion. The bias  122  can be provided by a spring. The pair of electrical contacts  112  make electrical contact and a current flows through the pair of electrical contacts  112 . The pair of electrical contacts are configured to separate in response to the current flowing through them exceeding a threshold according to any method appreciated by those skilled in the art of electrical circuit breakers. For example, the pair of electrical contacts can separate due to an electrodynamic force created by the excessive current or due to thermal heating created by the excessive current causing a bimetallic strip to deflect. 
         [0025]    The functional block diagram  160  includes a trip mechanism  130 . The trip mechanism  130  is activated by a trip component  135  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 . The trip mechanism  130  can be a latch that is activated by making contact with the trip component  135 . The trip component  135  can be a rod, a lever, or any other part suitable for providing a mechanical link between the trip mechanism  130  and the movable surface  120 . The trip component  135  can be permanently affixed to the movable surface  120 , and can be integrally formed with the movable surface  120 . The functional block diagram  160  further includes a breaker handle  140  and a first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140 . The first component  145  can be permanently connected to the breaker handle  140  or can be positioned such that a movement of the breaker handle  140  causes a part permanently affixed to the breaker handle  140  to contact the first component  145 . Additionally or alternatively, the first component  145  can be linked to the breaker handle  140  through a mechanical connection including a rod or a lever. 
         [0026]    The functional block diagram  160  further includes a connecting element  100  for linking the motion of the breaker handle  140  to the movable surface  120 . The connecting element  100  can be a rod or a lever which provides a mechanical coupling between the first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140  and a second component  125  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 . In a configuration, the trip component  135  can be implemented as the same part as the second component  125 , so long as the part provides a mechanical connection between the movable surface  120  and the trip mechanism  130 , and the movable surface  120  and the connecting element  100 . 
         [0027]    During operation of the piston trip in a normal operating state illustrated by the functional block diagram  160 , current flows through the pair of electrical contacts  112 . The current does not exceed a threshold and the contacts do not separate. Because the contacts do not separate, an arcing event does not occur, and a pressure is not generated within the chamber. Because a pressure is not generated to oppose the force of the bias  122 , the movable surface  120  remains in the first position shown and the trip component  135  is not moved to activate the tripping mechanism  130 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a functional block diagram  161  showing the piston trip during an over current event. The functional block diagram  161  is similar to the functional block diagram  160  shown in  FIG. 1A , except that the diagram includes a separated pair of electrical contacts  114 . Just before separating, the separated pair of electrical contacts  114  conducted a current flowing through them. The separated pair of electrical contacts  114  separated because the current flowing through them exceeded the threshold. Shortly after separation, a voltage difference exists between the separated pair of electrical contacts  114 . The voltage difference between the separated electrical contacts  114  can cause the gasses between the separated electrical contacts  114  to ionize, and the process can release the arcing energy  116 . The release of the arcing energy  116  within the chamber  110  heats the gasses within the chamber  110  and increases the temperature and pressure  118  within the chamber  110 . The pressure  118  applies a force to the movable surface  120  and causes the movable surface  120  to move against the force of the bias  122  to a second position. 
         [0029]    The movable surface  120  is shown in the second position in the block diagram  161 . The chamber  110  has a larger volume when the movable surface  120  is in the second position than when the movable surface  120  is in the first position. Similarly, the chamber  110  has a smaller volume when the movable surface  120  is in the first position than when the movable surface  120  is in the second position. Said another way, the volume of the chamber  110  is larger responsive to the movable surface  120  being in the second position than responsive to the movable surface  120  being in the first position. As a result of the movement of the movable surface  120 , the trip component  135  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120  activates the trip mechanism  130 . The activation of the trip mechanism  130  causes current to stop flowing to the separated pair of electrical contacts  114 , and thereby halts the release of the arcing energy  116 . While the functional block diagram  161  illustrates a single pair of separated electrical contacts  114 , the activation of the trip mechanism  130  can trip all poles of a multipole breaker to halt current flowing to multiple poles simultaneously. Once the arcing energy  116  is no longer being released, the increased pressure  118  and temperature within the chamber  110  dissipate and the movable surface  120  returns to the first position under the influence of the bias  122 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  is a functional block diagram  162  showing the piston trip that will trip while operating unless it is forcibly reset. The functional block diagram  162  shows a piston trip following an arcing event where debris or hot gasses generated during the arcing event damaged an interior surface of the chamber so as to prevent the movable surface  120  from returning to the first position. In the functional block diagram  162 , the damage to the interior surface is due to imbedded debris  124 . For example, the impeded debris  124  can be debris from molten metal fragments becoming imbedded in the interior surface of the chamber  110 . The imbedded debris  124  impedes the movement of the movable surface  120  and prevents the movable surface  120  from returning to the first position. The movable surface  120  is prevented from returning to the first position even after the increased pressure within the chamber  110  dissipates and the bias  122  urges the movable surface  120  toward the first position. By impeding the movement of the movable surface  120 , the trip mechanism  130  continues to be activated by the trip component  135  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 . 
         [0031]    An energized electrical circuit breaker incorporating the piston trip shown in the functional block diagram  162  trips while operating unless the movable surface  120  is forced back to the first position. The connecting element  100  enables the movable surface to be returned to the first position and thereby avoid problems associated with tripping while operating. The connecting element  100  provides a mechanical connection between the first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle and the second component  125  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 . The operation of the connecting element  100  resetting the piston trip by moving the movable surface  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 1D . 
         [0032]      FIG. 1D  is a functional block diagram  163  showing the piston trip being reset through the use of the connecting element  100 . The functional block diagram  163  shows the breaker handle  140  after it is moved to an off position. In the functional block diagrams  160 ,  161 , and  162 , the breaker handle  140  is not shown in the off position. Referring again to  FIG. 1D , moving the breaker handle  140  to the off position causes the first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140  to mechanically couple to the connecting element  100 . In a configuration, the connecting element  100  has a first surface  101  and a second surface  102 . The first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140  mechanically couples to the connecting element  100  by contacting the first surface  101  of the connecting element  100 . Similarly, the second component  125  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120  mechanically couples to the connecting element  100  by contacting the second surface  102  of the connecting element  100 . 
         [0033]    In operation of the piston trip illustrated by the functional block diagram  163 , the breaker handle  140  is moved to the off position following a trip event. The movement of the breaker handle  140  to the off position can be effected by, for example, a user manipulating the breaker handle  140 . In an example configuration, the movement of the breaker handle  140  causes the first component  145  to mechanically couple to the connecting element  100  by contacting the first surface  101 . The contact drives the second surface  102  of the connecting element  100  to contact the second component  125  and thereby mechanically couple to the second component  125 . The contact urges the second component  125  to move the movable surface  120  to the reset position through the mechanical linkage between the movable surface  120  and the second component  125 . Through the mechanical coupling of the connecting element  100  to the first component  145  and the second component  125 , the motion of the breaker handle  140  is linked to the motion of the movable surface  120 . In a configuration, the motion of the breaker handle  140  forces the movable surface  120  to return to the first position, even when its motion is impeded by debris remaining from an arcing event. In a configuration, the motion of the breaker handle  140  provides a force to overcome an impediment on the motion of the movable surface  120 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 1E  is a functional block diagram  164  showing a piston trip in a normal operating state incorporating an alternative design choice. The functional block diagram  164  is similar to the block diagram  160  except that the functional block diagram  164  incorporates a single component  136  to replace the trip component  135  and the second component  125 . The single component  136  is mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 , but is aligned to mechanically couple to either or both of the trip mechanism  130  or the connecting element  100 . In a configuration, the single component  136  can be permanently affixed to the movable surface  120  and can be integrally formed with the movable surface  120 . 
         [0035]    While a configuration of the connecting element  100  is described in which the connecting element  100  has a first surface  101  making contact with components mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140 , and a second surface  102  making contact with the movable surface  120 , the present disclosure is not so limited. The connecting element  100  can be a protrusion on a portion of the first component  145  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  140 . Similarly, the connecting element  100  can be a protrusion on a portion of the second component  125  mechanically linked to the movable surface  120 . The connecting element  100  can also be a separate component that is not permanently mechanically linked to any other components of the piston trip. For example, the connecting element  100  can operate by passively transferring a force applied to the first surface  101  of the connecting element  100  to the second surface  102  of the connecting element  100 . A configuration where the connecting element  100  is a separate component can offer benefits of allowing the connecting element to be incorporated with existing hardware used in the electrical circuit breaker without necessitating redesigning any existing components. The connecting element  100  can be created from metal or plastic, and can be formed by conventional methods for creating parts to be used in an electrical circuit breaker. 
         [0036]    The functional block diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 1A through 1E  provide a symbolic representation of the operation of a piston trip in different operating states. The functional block diagrams ( 160 ,  161 ,  162 ,  163 ,  164 ) symbolically illustrate the components ( 100 ,  125 ,  145 ) used to provide a mechanical linkage between the breaker handle  140  and the movable surface  120 , but the present disclosure is not limited to a particular type of component and applies to components that are levers or rods that can move both rotationally and rectilinearly in order to provide the mechanical linkage symbolically illustrated. Additionally, while the breaker handle  140  is illustrated as moving along the same direction as the direction of motion of the movable surface  120 , the present disclosure applies to a breaker handles  140  that moves rotationally about a pivot and in a direction different from the direction of motion of the movable surface. The present disclosure extends to a configuration having a mechanical linkage to transfer the motion of the breaker handle  140  to the motion of the movable surface  120  through the use of a mechanical linkage including the connecting element  100 . A particular implementation of the disclosed mechanical linkage for resetting a piston trip using the motion of a breaker handle is discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 2A through 2D  and  FIGS. 3A through 3B . Elements numbered in  FIGS. 2A through 2D  and  FIGS. 3A through 3B  generally use element numbers one-hundred greater than the corresponding elements used in the functional block diagrams shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1E . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a piston trip  270 . The piston trip  270  includes a chamber  210 , a movable surface  220 , a bias  222 , and a hammer component  236  connected to the movable surface  220 . In the piston trip  270 , the movable surface  220  is a piston moving within a sheath  221 , and the bias  222  is a spring. The piston trip  270  is also referred to as a “piston trip” mechanism. The sheath  221  can be integrally formed with the interior wall of the chamber  210 . The sheath  221  is an interior surface through which the movable surface  220  can move. The movable surface  220  is shown in a first position resting within the sheath  221 . The hammer component  236  is an arm extending from the piston trip  270  having a tip  237  and an angled surface  238 . The tip  237  can be used to activate a trip mechanism  230  as shown in  FIG. 2B . Referring to  FIG. 2A , the hammer component  236  is integrally formed with the movable surface  220 . The hammer component  236  provides a function similar to the function of the symbolically illustrated single component  136  in the block diagram  164  shown in  FIG. 1E . Returning again to  FIG. 2A , the chamber  210  is in fluid communication with a breaking unit housing a pair of electrical contacts (not shown) configured to separate when current flowing through them exceeds a threshold. 
         [0038]    In operation of the piston trip  270 , an over current flowing through the electrical contacts causes the electrical contacts to separate and an arcing energy to be released within the breaking unit, which is in fluid communication with the chamber  210 . The released arcing energy heats gas within the chamber  210  and increases the pressure within the chamber  210 . The increased pressure pushes the movable surface  220  against the force of the bias  222  to a second position. The movement of the movable surface  210  causes the hammer component  236  to move and the tip  237  activates the trip mechanism  230 . Activating the trip mechanism  230  trips the circuit, which halts the release of the arcing energy within the breaking unit. As the increased pressure in the chamber  210  dissipates, the movable surface  220  moves back to the first position within the sheath  221 , unless the motion of the movable surface  220  is impeded by imbedded debris released during the arcing event. If the motion of the movable surface  220  is impeded, the movable surface  220  can be forced back into position by providing a mechanical linkage between a breaker handle and the movable surface  220  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B through 2D . 
         [0039]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of an electrical circuit breaker  260 . The electrical circuit breaker  260  includes a breaker handle  240  and a first component  245  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  240 . The first component  245  is mechanically linked to the breaker handle through a cradle  242 . The cradle  242  is attached to the breaker handle  240  such that both the cradle  242  and the breaker handle  240  rotate about the same pivot  243 . The first component  245  rotates about a pivot  246 . The electrical circuit breaker  260  further includes a connecting element  200  and the piston trip  270 . 
         [0040]    The piston trip  270  is enclosed within a cover  271 . The bias  222  is visible through an opening in the cover  271 . The hammer component  236  connected to the movable surface  220  extends vertically from the cover  271 . The tip  237  of the hammer component  236  is positioned to activate the trip mechanism  230  by moving against the force of the bias  222 . The angled surface  238  of the hammer component  236  is positioned to interface with the connecting element  200 . The connecting element  200  provides a mechanical linkage between the hammer component  236  connected to the movable surface  220  and the first component  245  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  240 . 
         [0041]    In a configuration, the connecting element  200  is a lever rotating about a pivot  207 . The connecting element  200  is in a generally triangular or wedge shape, with the pivot  207  proximate to one corner of the connecting element  200 . The connecting element  200  has a first surface  201  and a second surface  202 . The first surface  201  is oriented generally along a direction extending radially from the pivot  207 . The second surface  202  is also oriented generally along a direction extending radially from the pivot  207 . The first surface  201  is positioned to contact the first component  245  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  240  during movement of the breaker handle  240 . The second surface  202  is positioned to contact the angled surface  238  of the hammer component  236 . The connecting element  200  further includes a first nodule  203  located proximate the first surface  201  and a second nodule  204  located proximate the second surface  202 . The first nodule  203  and the second nodule  204  retain the connecting element  200  in its position by interfacing with a radial feature  208 . The radial feature  208  can be a portion of a spring extending from the pivot  207 . The first and second nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) prevent the connecting element  200  from rotating in either direction past the point where the nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) interface with the radial feature  208 . The nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) can also advantageously ensure that the connecting element  200  is correctly installed during assembly. The nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) advantageously ensure that the connecting element  200  is designed for manufacturing, because installing the connecting element  200  with the nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) facing inward, rather than outward, can result in the electrical circuit breaker binding during a testing operation of the breaker handle  240 . 
         [0042]    In a reset operation of the electrical circuit breaker  260 , the breaker handle  240  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about pivot  243 . The rotation of the breaker handle  240  drives the cradle  242  into the first component  245 . The connection between the cradle  242  and the first component  245  urges the first component  245  to rotate clockwise about the pivot  246 . The first component  245  is rotated to connect to the first surface  201  of the connecting element  200 . The connection between the first component  245  and the connecting element  200  urges the connecting element  200  to rotate counter-clockwise about pivot  207 . The rotation of the connecting element  200  drives the second surface  202  of the connecting element  200  to connect with the angled surface  238  of the hammer component  236 , which completes the mechanical linkage between the breaker handle  240  and the movable surface  220 . Continued rotation of the breaker handle  240  drives the hammer component  236  in the same direction as it is being urged by the bias  222 , and moves the movable surface  220  to the first position within the sheath  221 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2C  shows a close view of the mechanical linkage between the breaker handle  240  and the movable surface  220  during a normal operating condition of the electrical circuit breaker  260 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2C , the connecting element  200  is shown resting on the angled surface  238  of the hammer component  236 , but not transferring any force to the hammer component  236 . The cradle  242  connected to the breaker handle  240  is shown in its ordinary operating position when the breaker handle is set to an operating position. The first component  245  is also shown in a normal operating position. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2D  shows a close view of the mechanical linkage between the breaker handle  240  and the movable surface  220  during a reset operation of the electrical circuit breaker  260 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2D , the breaker handle  240  is not visible, but is rotated counter-clockwise about the pivot  243  to an off position. The rotation of the breaker handle  240  moves the cradle  242  and drives it into the first component  245 , which then rotates clockwise about the pivot  246 . The first component  245  rotates to contact the first surface  201  of the connecting element  200 . The connecting element  200  then rotates counter-clockwise and the second surface  202  contacts the angled surface  238  of the hammer component  236 . During the reset operation of the electrical circuit breaker, the cradle  242  contacts the first component  245 . The first component  245  then contacts the connecting element  200 , which then contacts the hammer component  236 . According to an implementation of the present disclosure, the connecting element  200  provides a mechanical linkage between the motion of the breaker handle  240  and the movable surface  220  within the piston trip  270 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3A  provides an aspect view of the connecting element  200 . According to an example configuration, the connecting element  200  is generally triangular or wedge shaped. The connecting element  200  has a circular hole  206  proximate to one corner for receiving a pivot. The circular hole  206  allows the connecting element  200  to pivot about a point located in the center of the circular hole  206 . The connecting element  200  includes the first surface  201  and the second surface  202 . The first surface  201  is a point of contact for the first component  245  mechanically linked to the breaker handle  240 . The second surface  202  is a point of contact for the hammer component  236  mechanically linked to the movable surface  220 . The connecting element  200  further includes the first nodule  203  and the second nodule  204 . The first nodule  203  is located proximate the first surface  201 , and the second nodule  204  is located proximate the second surface  202 . The first nodule  203  and the second nodule  204  maintain the connecting element  200  in a desired position by interfacing with the radial feature  208  extending radially from the pivot penetrating the circular hole  206 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3B  provides a front aspect view of a connecting element  200 ′ incorporating a retaining bar  205 . The retaining bar  205  has a first end connected to the first nodule  203  and a second end connected to the second nodule  204 . The retaining bar  205  thus encloses a gap formed by the retaining bar  205 , the first nodule  203 , the second nodule  204 , and the top surface of the connecting element  200 ′. The gap formed by the retaining bar  205  and the first and second nodules ( 203 ,  204 ) can be used to retain the connecting element  200 ′ in a desired position by interfacing with the radial feature  208  extending radially from the pivot penetrating the circular hole  206 . The radial feature  208  is covered by the retaining bar  205 . In an example configuration, the connecting element  200 ′ can offer an improved ability to retain the connecting element  200 ′ in a desired position by using the retaining bar  205  to ensure that the connecting element does not slip past the radial feature  208 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) in an untripped operating position. The lower portion of  FIG. 4A  provides a cross-section view of the electrical contacts housed in the breaking unit of the MCCB. The cross-section shown in  FIGS. 4A through 4C  is of a different plane than the cross-section shown in  FIG. 2A . Viewable in  FIG. 4A  is a rotatable conductor  410  having a first movable contact  402  and a second movable contact  404 . The movable contacts ( 402 ,  404 ) are shown in electrical connection with a first stationary contact  406  and a second stationary contact  408 . In the configuration shown, the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ) are electrically connected through the rotatable conductor  410 . In the configuration provided in  FIG. 4A , when the MCCB is energized, current flows between the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ), and therefore the MCCB is on. In the on position shown, the breaker handle  240  is oriented vertically, and the first component  245  is not forced to a different position as a result of contact with the cradle  242 . The connecting element  200  is not being urged into the hammer component  236 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the MCCB in a tripped position following an arc fault event. In the tripped position, the rotatable conductor  410  is rotated counter-clockwise responsive to a current flowing through the rotatable conductor exceeding a threshold. In the tripped position, the movable contacts ( 402 ,  404 ) are not in contact with the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ) and current can no longer flow between the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ). The separation of the movable contacts ( 402 ,  404 ) from the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ) results in an arc event, which releases energy and raises the pressure inside the breaking unit. The increased pressure is communicated to the chamber  210  shown in the cross-section view in  FIG. 2A  through a fluid connection. Responsive to the increased pressure, the hammer component  236  is urged toward the trip mechanism  230  to activate the trip mechanism  230 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates the position of the various components in the MCCB following the activation of the trip mechanism  230 . The activation of the trip mechanism  230  causes the breaker handle  240  to move to a tripped position, which is the position shown in  FIG. 4B  with the breaker handle  240  rotated clockwise relative to the on position shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of the MCCB being reset with the MCCB in an off position. In  FIG. 4C , the breaker handle  240  is rotated counter-clockwise relative to the tripped position shown in  FIG. 4B  to an off position, which is the position shown in  FIG. 4C . In  FIG. 4C  the breaker handle  240  is urged to rotate counter-clockwise to the off position. The breaker handle  240  can be urged to the reset position by, for example, a user manually manipulating the breaker handle  240 . In the off position, the movable contacts ( 402 ,  404 ) are not in contact with the stationary contacts ( 406 ,  408 ) as in  FIG. 4B . Referring again to  FIG. 4C , the cradle  242 , which is mechanically connected to the breaker handle  240  such that the cradle  242  rotates with the breaker handle  240  about the same pivot  243 , is contacting the first component  245 . The contact between the cradle  242  and the first component  245  urges the first component  245  to rotate clockwise. The first component  245  is thereby urged to rotate until it contacts the connecting element  200 . The connecting element  200  is then urged to rotate counter-clockwise until it contacts the hammer component  236 . The hammer component  236  is thereby urged to return to its normal operating, untripped position by the contact of the connecting element  200 . The connecting element  200  therefore provides a mechanical connection between the breaker handle  240  and the hammer component  236  mechanically connected to the movable surface within the piston trip within the MCCB. In operation of the MCCB, following the manipulation of the breaker handle  240  to the reset position, the breaker handle  240  can return to the untripped position shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0050]    While particular implementations and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.