Dynamic Addressing in Load Panel Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load panels require complex address assignment methods, including routing tables and factory programming, which are inefficient and not scalable for varying numbers of circuit breakers, and do not adapt to changes in topology.
Innovation Solution
A load panel design featuring an aggregator component with processors that uses a dynamic addressing mechanism, allowing each circuit breaker to communicate through two interfaces and assign unique addresses based on its position in a linear structure, eliminating the need for routing tables and factory programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing tables and factory programming are used for address assignment, then circuit breakers can be identified on the network, but the system becomes complex and not scalable for varying numbers of circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
Each circuit breaker automatically determines its own address by counting the number of other circuit breakers on the network. The system performs self-service address assignment without requiring external routing tables or factory programming, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliable identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the addressing parameter from fixed factory-programmed values to dynamic values determined at runtime based on the actual number of circuit breakers present. This allows the system to adapt to varying configurations without manual intervention or complex routing tables.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed number panelboards are used, then manufacturing and installation are standardized, but the system cannot adapt to changes in topology or varying numbers of circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic address assignment that automatically adapts to changes in the number of circuit breakers. Instead of fixed addresses tied to specific positions in standardized panelboards, each circuit breaker dynamically determines its address based on the current network configuration, enabling the system to adapt to topology changes while maintaining manufacturing standards.
3Reliability
If manual address assignment is required, then each circuit breaker can be uniquely identified, but the process requires time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Circuit breakers automatically assign addresses to themselves by counting other devices on the network, eliminating the need for manual address assignment. This self-service mechanism ensures unique identification while significantly reducing the time required for installation and configuration.
4Reliability
If routing tables are maintained, then network communication can be managed, but the system requires complex maintenance and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the routing table component from the system. Instead of maintaining complex routing tables, each circuit breaker uses a simple counting mechanism to determine addresses, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining reliable network communication through direct address-based identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A load panel includes an enclosure; an aggregator having a first processor and a number of communicating mechanisms; and a number of circuit breakers. The first processor includes a first routine communicating using the number of communicating mechanisms. Each of the number of circuit breakers includes a second processor, and first and second communicating mechanisms. The aggregator and the number of circuit breakers are arranged as a linear structure within the load panel. The second processor includes a second routine communicating using the first and second communicating mechanisms and assigning a unique address to a corresponding one of the number of circuit breakers with respect to the aggregator and any remaining number of the number of circuit breakers. The first communicating mechanism communicates with or toward the aggregator. The second communicating mechanism communicates with at most one of the any remaining number of the number of circuit breakers.