Electronic Branch Circuit Marking With Distinct Identification Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installations face challenges in accurately and reliably marking branch circuits due to manual labeling risks, label wear, and difficulty in identifying which outlet or apparatus is connected to a specific branch circuit, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing signalling devices communicatively coupled to branch circuits to transmit distinct identification signals, allowing for continuous or periodic identification of branch circuits, eliminating the need for manual markings and enabling easy identification at outlets or apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling is used to mark branch circuits, then the marking process is simple and low-cost, but the reliability of identification is reduced due to risks of erroneous labeling, label wear, and label detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labeling with an electronic signaling system. Signaling devices are coupled to branch circuits and transmit identification signals electronically, eliminating the need for physical labels. This substitution improves reliability by removing vulnerabilities associated with manual labeling (errors, wear, detachment) while introducing electronic components to achieve the marking function.
2Reliability
If electronic signaling devices are implemented to mark branch circuits, then the identification reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling devices perform multiple functions: they provide branch circuit identification signals while also being integratable with existing electrical infrastructure. The devices can transmit identification information and potentially interface with monitoring or control systems, making the added complexity serve multiple purposes rather than a single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling devices automatically transmit identification signals without requiring manual intervention for each reading. The system self-identifies branch circuits through continuous or periodic signal transmission, eliminating the need for manual label application and inspection, thereby reducing operational complexity over time.
3Measurement precision
If continuous identification signals are transmitted on branch circuits, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous signal transmission, the system employs periodic identification signals. The signaling devices transmit identification information at regular intervals rather than continuously, maintaining adequate identification accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted signal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of electronically marking a plurality of branch circuits of an electrical installation of an engineering structure, the plurality of branch circuits comprising a first branch circuit and a second branch circuit, includes: providing one or more signalling devices, wherein at least one of the signalling devices is communicatively coupled to the first branch circuit, and wherein at least one of the signalling devices is communicatively coupled to the second branch circuit; providing, by the at least one signalling device communicatively coupled to the first branch circuit, a first identification signal on the first branch circuit; and providing, by the at least one signalling device communicatively coupled to the second branch circuit, a second identification signal on the second branch circuit, wherein the second identification signal is different from the first identification signal.