Electrical Docking Station Side-by-Side Connector Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical docking stations pose safety risks due to accidental arcing when disconnecting generator connectors from energized stations and have complicated access to utility wires, requiring additional equipment for stability.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical docking station design with access-controlled compartments and side-by-side positioning of utility and generator power connectors, featuring a circuit breaker, Automatic Transfer Switch, and electro-mechanical locking mechanism to ensure safe switching and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If utility wires are placed behind generator connectors in traditional electrical docking stations, then the docking station can be designed with a simpler structure, but access to utility wires becomes complicated and requires additional equipment for stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions utility wires and generator connectors from a front-to-back arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement along the width of the cabinet. This dimensional change allows both components to be accessed independently without one blocking the other, eliminating the need for additional equipment and simplifying the overall structure while improving accessibility.
2Volume of stationary object
If the electrical docking station is designed deeper to accommodate traditional wire routing, then all components can be housed within the cabinet, but the docking station requires extra equipment like legs to remain stable when mounted on a wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes components along the width of the cabinet rather than depth, positioning utility wires and generator connectors side by side. This reduces the required cabinet depth, allowing the docking station to be mounted securely on a wall without requiring additional support equipment like legs, while still accommodating all necessary components.
3Reliability
If the electro-mechanical locking mechanism locks the door when the generator is connected and energized, then safety is improved by preventing accidental disconnection, but the door cannot be opened for maintenance or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the operational state of the generator. When the generator is connected and energized, the door is locked to prevent accidental disconnection and arcing. When the generator is disconnected or not energized, the locking mechanism releases, allowing the door to be opened for maintenance or repair. This dynamic response ensures both safety during operation and accessibility during maintenance.
4Area of stationary object
If the cabinet is designed with compact side-by-side positioning of connectors, then space efficiency is improved, but access points must be strategically positioned for convenient access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions utility wires and generator connectors side by side along the width of the cabinet, creating independent access points for each component. This arrangement maintains a compact cabinet footprint while allowing convenient access to both utility wires and generator connectors without one component blocking the other, optimizing both space efficiency and operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for access-controlled electrical docking stations that automatically switch power to an electrical system between generator power and utility power are disclosed herein. An illustrative electrical docking station can include a cabinet that houses a circuit breaker, a generator interface to connect generators to the electrical docking station, an Automatic Transfer Switch, and a power supply. The power supply can supply converted DC power and protection to different accessories for the electrical docking station including an alarm, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock a door to the generator connectors in a closed position when the ATS is energized by a generator and to not lock the door when the door is in an open position. In some such circumstances, the alarm can shine green or provide an audible alarm and shine red respectively.