Electrical Connection Cabinet With Centralized Communication Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection cabinets require numerous communication cables for connecting control units to an industrial computer, leading to complex and costly assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection cabinet design that centralizes data exchanges between industrial computers and control-command units using a communication module, which also supplies auxiliary electrical voltage, reducing the need for individual communication cables and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual communication cables connect each control unit to the industrial computer, then data exchange between control units and the industrial computer is achieved, but the number of cables increases significantly, making assembly complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange reliabilityVSAvoidcable connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual communication cables into a single communication bus that connects all control units to the industrial computer. The communication module aggregates data from multiple control units and transmits it through one cable, eliminating the need for numerous individual cables while maintaining reliable data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries data from multiple different control units, provides power to communication modules, and enables bidirectional communication between the industrial computer and all control units through a single infrastructure.

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

2Loss of information

If numerous communication cables are used to connect each control unit individually, then data exchange is possible, but material costs and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple communication cables are merged into a single communication bus infrastructure. The communication module collects data from multiple control units and transmits it through one cable, dramatically reducing material costs and simplifying assembly procedures while maintaining full data exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into modular components: individual control units connect to local communication modules, which then aggregate to form a unified communication bus. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into a complete system with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a centralized communication module is used to aggregate data from control units, then the number of cables is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the communication module must handle multiple functions including data exchange and power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection simplicityVSAvoidcommunication module functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module is designed as a multi-functional universal component that simultaneously handles data aggregation, communication protocol conversion, and power distribution. This single module replaces what would otherwise require separate components, simplifying the overall system while providing versatile functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions (data exchange, communication management, and power supply) are merged into a single integrated communication module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and cables needed, while the module's internal architecture maintains the adaptability to handle various control unit types and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4064475B1Electrical connection cabinet
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4064475B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4064475B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4064475B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical connection cabinet (100) is supplied with electrical power via power cables (102) and supplies at least one electrical load (104). The cabinet includes a power supply column (106) and at least one connection column (110). Each connection column includes at least one control unit (138) connected to an electrical load, electrically protected by a protection unit (140), and configured to allow the connection and optionally the control and/or monitoring of an electrical load. The electrical cabinet is controlled by an industrial computer (130).Each connecting column includes a communication module (134) that centralizes operating information from the control units of that connecting column, transmits this operating information to the industrial computer, receives commands from the industrial computer, and transmits these commands to the control units of that connecting column. At least one communication module includes a power supply card providing at least one auxiliary electrical voltage to each connecting column.