Patent ID: 7515024

Claim:
A magnetic movement mechanism usable in a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a first permanent magnet; (ii) a second permanent magnet positioned apart from the first permanent magnet; (iii) a soft magnet with a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween, wherein the soft magnet is positioned between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet such that the first end of the soft magnet is proximate to the first permanent magnet, and the second end of the soft magnet is proximate to the second permanent magnet, respectively; (iv) a balance frame positioned between the first end and the second end of the soft magnet, wherein the balance frame defines an opening configured to receive the body portion therein so that the balance frame and the soft magnet are movable together; (v) a first coil wound around the first end of the soft magnet; and (vi) a second coil wound around the second end of the soft magnet, wherein the first coil and the second coil are arranged such that when a current passes through the first coil, a first magnetic force is generated to cause the soft magnet and the balance frame to move towards the first permanent magnet in a first direction, and when a current passes through the second coil, a second magnetic force is generated to cause the soft magnet and the balance frame to move towards the second permanent magnet in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction; wherein the balance frame further comprises a first arm portion extending away radially from the body portion of the soft magnet, and an opposite, second arm portion extending away radially from the body portion of the soft magnet, respectively; and wherein each of the first arm portion and the second arm portion comprises: (a) a body portion having a first surface, an opposite, second surface, at least one first side surface, and an opposite, second side surface, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface connect the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and wherein the second surface is configured to have a curvature and a corresponding axis; (b) at least one first position limiting member protruding from the first side surface and away from the second surface; (c) at least one opposite, second position limiting member protruding from the second side surface and away from the second surface; and (d) a center position limiting member protruding away from the second surface.