Circuit Breaker Integrating AC and DC Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breaker panels primarily distribute AC power, leading to increased costs and clutter due to the need for separate AC/DC adapters for devices requiring DC power, as well as inefficiencies in energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker system that integrates both AC and DC power distribution, featuring a tripping module and a DC power supply circuit, allowing for centralized DC power distribution and reducing the need for AC/DC converters, thereby minimizing energy loss and clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional circuit breaker panels distribute only AC power, then the circuit breaker structure remains simple, but separate AC/DC adapters are needed for DC-powered devices, increasing device complexity and clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC power distribution and DC power supply functions into a single circuit breaker device. The AC line connector receives AC power, which is then converted to DC power by an integrated DC power supply circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate AC/DC adapters for DC-powered devices, directly resolving the technical contradiction by improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker is designed to provide multiple functions: AC power distribution through the AC load connector and DC power distribution through the DC load connector. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both AC and DC powered devices, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each power type.
2Loss of energy
If separate AC/DC adapters are used for each DC-powered device, then AC power distribution is simple, but the number of adapters increases, increasing loss of energy and creating clutter
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power conversion function into the circuit breaker itself, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate AC/DC adapters. Each adapter individually converts AC to DC, incurring energy losses at each conversion point. The integrated solution performs a single conversion at the circuit breaker level, reducing total energy loss while also reducing the number of devices needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker provides DC power directly to DC-powered devices without requiring external AC/DC adapters. The DC power supply circuit within the circuit breaker serves the DC power needs of connected devices, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional conversion devices that would increase energy loss and clutter.
3Loss of energy
If AC power is converted to DC power at each device using AC/DC adapters, then AC power distribution is efficient, but multiple conversion points increase loss of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the AC to DC conversion in advance at the circuit breaker level, before power is distributed to individual devices. This preliminary conversion action eliminates the need for repeated conversions at each device, thereby reducing total energy loss while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply connect devices to the appropriate connector without needing separate adapters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides protected AC and DC power within a single circuit breaker, reducing costs and energy inefficiencies by eliminating the need for separate adapters and transformers, while improving energy efficiency and reducing clutter around electrical outlets.
Implementation Method 1
a DC power supply circuit 104 having an input 105 and an output 107. The input 105 is coupled between the tripping module 102 and the AC load connector 108
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker is configured to provide both AC and DC protected power. The circuit breaker is packaged in a housing that includes a tripping module, a DC power supply, an AC load terminal, and a DC load terminal. The tripping module senses and responds to electrical faults by interrupting power, and the DC power supply converts received AC power to DC power. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker may be configured as a main breaker of a circuit breaker panel, while in other embodiments the circuit breaker may be configured as a branch circuit breaker that occupies a single branch circuit breaker mounting location in a circuit breaker panel. Methods of assembling a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.