Circuit Interrupter Optical Diagnostic Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit interrupter diagnostic systems are time-consuming and costly, requiring physical connectors or displays that are not easily transferable to other devices, limiting the efficient retrieval of diagnostic information.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a circuit interrupter with a light source and processor to output information as a light pattern, detectable by an adapter and converted into an electrical signal for an electronic device, allowing for efficient data transfer without the need for physical connectors or costly displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If circuit breakers are physically connected to an electronic device to transfer diagnostic information, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and requires accessible connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical connectors and cables) with an optical communication system using visible light transmission. The circuit breaker communicates diagnostic information through light patterns that can be detected by a camera or light sensor, eliminating the need for physical connectors and significantly reducing information retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer diagnostic information between the circuit breaker and electronic device. Instead of direct electrical or mechanical connection, the information is encoded into light patterns that serve as the communication channel, enabling wireless-like communication without requiring line-of-sight optical paths.
2Ease of operation
If circuit breakers include a display to show diagnostic information, then information is accessible, but the approach is costly and information cannot be transferred to other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the diagnostic information by encoding it into light patterns. Instead of requiring a physical display on the circuit breaker, the information is transmitted as light that can be captured by a camera or light sensor, creating a digital copy that can be viewed on any electronic device with appropriate sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the diagnostic information universally accessible by transmitting it through a standardized optical interface that can be read by any electronic device with a camera or light sensor. This eliminates the need for proprietary displays or connectors, allowing the same circuit breaker to communicate with multiple different types of devices without additional hardware.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective transfer of diagnostic information from circuit interrupters to electronic devices, improving the efficiency and accessibility of data retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a light source structured to output light
Implementation Method 2
an adapter structured to detect light output by the light source, convert the detected light to another form
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a circuit interrupter including a light source structured to output light and a first processor structured to obtain information associated with the circuit interrupter and to control the light source to output light in a pattern representing the information. The system also include an adapter structured to detect light output by the light source, convert the detected light to another form, and to output the converted form of the light and an electronic device structured to receive the converted form of the light. The electronic device includes a second processor structured to convert the converted form of the light into the information.