Low Voltage Bus Control Assembly for Power Effector Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for power effectors, particularly in low-voltage applications, are complex to install and maintain due to the need for multiple cables and interconnections, posing risks of errors and increased costs, and lack efficient methods for managing impulse commands and pairing with effectors.

Innovation Solution

A control assembly using very low voltage communication means of the BUS type, incorporating both all-or-nothing type command receivers and static command receivers, with a passive transformation block and active control block that processes commands chronologically, allowing for efficient control of power effectors through a base and nomadic control unit with magnetic actuation, enabling simplified installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional control interfaces with multiple cables and interconnections are used, then power effectors can be controlled, but the installation and maintenance become complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and maintenanceVSAvoidcable complexity and interconnections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions and communication channels into a single integrated control interface using a bus-type communication system. Instead of requiring separate cables for different control functions, the system merges them into one communication bus that carries all control signals, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single bus-type communication system can handle multiple control tasks including impulse commands, static commands, and coordination between multiple effectors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If control interfaces require pairing procedures with effectors, then specific control functions can be assigned, but the installation and maintenance require specialized knowledge and become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function assignmentVSAvoidease of installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements self-service through automatic identification and assignment of control functions. The bus-type communication interface automatically detects and pairs control receivers with effectors without requiring manual configuration or specialized pairing procedures. This eliminates the need for installer intervention while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic configuration and pairing during the initial system setup phase. Control functions are pre-assigned and registered in the system memory before actual operation begins, so that during normal use, no additional pairing procedures are needed. This preliminary action simplifies both installation and ongoing maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If impulse command receivers are used, then quick control actions can be achieved, but the user cannot know the last command carried out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand execution speedVSAvoidfeedback on command state
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide the user with information about the last command executed and the current state of controlled effectors. The bus-type communication system transmits both control commands and status information bidirectionally, allowing the interface to display or indicate the current state while maintaining rapid impulse command response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 simplifies the installation and maintenance of power effector control systems by reducing cable complexity, ensuring accurate command management, and allowing for efficient control of multiple effectors with reduced risk of errors and costs, while providing clear feedback on command states.

Implementation Method 1

with magnetic actuation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic actuation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2461442B1Unit for controlling effectors and method for controlling said unit
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2461442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2461442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2461442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The assembly has a very low voltage control receiver (10B) connected to a control interface (1) via very low voltage communication unit (11) i.e. BUS, and including an all or nothing control unit (160) that generates static commands. A passive transformation block (2) has an internal information bus (77A) connecting an input of an input port (55A) to an output (6) of the block. The block has a common internal bus (7D) connecting the input of the input port and input ports (5A-5C) to common output of the block. The static command short circuits the common internal bus and the information bus. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling power effectors.