Compact Circuit Breaker Layout for Remote Power Distribution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power distribution systems in communication networks face challenges in achieving a compact, cost-effective, and easily integratable circuit breaker design that can be remotely controlled and monitored, with a high integration level and intuitive status display.

Innovation Solution

A circuit breaker design with a housing containing a mechanical and electronic element, featuring a Wi-Fi module for remote control, a bicolor indicator for status display, and a pull ring mechanism for easy installation and removal, integrated with a central controller on a signal backplane, eliminating the need for internal controllers and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a controller is disposed inside each circuit breaker, then the circuit breaker can operate independently, but the size and cost of the circuit breaker increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidsize and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple circuit breakers are merged with a single shared controller located in the housing. The controller communicates with all circuit breakers through common control lines, eliminating the need for individual controllers in each circuit breaker. This reduces overall system complexity, size, and cost while maintaining independent operation capability through logical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single controller in the housing serves multiple functions: it controls multiple different circuit breakers, provides centralized monitoring, and enables remote operation. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated controllers, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If more circuit breakers are configured in the power shelf to meet intelligent communication system requirements, then power distribution capability is improved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to integrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple circuit breakers are integrated into a single housing with a shared controller. The housing provides a unified structure that accommodates multiple circuit breakers, their operating mechanisms, and common control components. This merging approach simplifies integration into the power shelf while maintaining the ability to distribute power to multiple circuits independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the circuit breaker is designed with remote control capability, then operability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the remote control interface and the circuit breaker mechanisms. It receives control signals, processes them, and generates appropriate control outputs to operate the circuit breakers. This intermediary approach enables remote control functionality while keeping the actual circuit breaker mechanisms relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3910659B1Circuit breaker and power distribution system
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3910659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3910659B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides a circuit breaker and a power distribution system that have advantages of a small size, low costs, and easy integration. The circuit breaker includes a housing and an internal element disposed inside the housing. The housing includes a front panel and a rear panel that are disposed opposite to each other, the front panel is disposed with a button, a status display unit, and a power wiring port, and the rear panel is disposed with a power interface and a signal interface. The power wiring port and the power interface are configured to be connected to a circuit of a power distribution system. The signal interface is internally and electrically connected to the button, the status display unit, and the internal element, and the signal interface is externally configured to be electrically connected to a control unit disposed outside the housing. A control signal of the control unit that is transmitted through the signal interface is used to implement working of the button, the status display unit, and the internal element.