Collapsible links for circuit breakers, systems, and methods of use thereof

A collapsible link device for a circuit breaker, the collapsible link device comprising:

• a side frame;
• a carrier pivotably coupled to the side frame;
• a main contact arm pivotably coupled to the carrier and comprising a first end comprising a first electrical contact;
• a plurality of collapsible links pivotably coupled to the side frame and to the carrier;
• and
• a release mechanism pivotably coupled to at least one of the collapsible links and to the carrier, wherein the plurality of collapsible links are movable between an uncollapsed position in which the first electrical contact contacts a second electrical contact and a collapsed position that results from the first electrical contact separating from the second electrical contact,
• wherein the release mechanism comprises a trip latch link comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to press against a flat portion of the carrier to maintain the plurality of collapsible links in the uncollapsed position, and wherein the second end is arranged to contact a contact portion of the main contact arm to cause the plurality of collapsible links to transition from the uncollapsed position to the collapsed position.

A collapsible link device for a circuit breaker, the collapsible link device comprising:

• a side frame;
• a carrier pivotably coupled to the side frame;
• a main contact arm pivotably coupled to the carrier and comprising a first end comprising a first electrical contact;
• a plurality of collapsible links pivotably coupled to the side frame and to the carrier;
• and
• a release mechanism pivotably coupled to at least one of the collapsible links and to the carrier, wherein the plurality of collapsible links are movable between an uncollapsed position in which the first electrical contact contacts a second electrical contact and a collapsed position that results from the first electrical contact separating from the second electrical contact, and wherein the release mechanism comprises a link lock pin positioned within a groove defined in the carrier and the main contact arm.