A trip actuator reset assembly for a circuit breaker includes a cradle
assembly, a reset lever, a trip actuator, and a resilient element. The
cradle assembly is pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker pole shaft.
The reset lever includes first and second ends, and a pivot pivotably
coupling the reset lever to the circuit breaker housing. The resilient
element is pivotably coupled to the housing proximate the second end of
the reset lever. In response to a trip condition, an actuating element of
the trip actuator moves the first end of the reset lever. To reset the
trip actuator, a guide member guides the cradle assembly into engagement
with the resilient element which pivots the reset lever. The first end of
the reset lever then resets the trip actuator. After reset, if the cradle
assembly continues to move, then the resilient element bends to
accommodate the additional motion.