Fuse Block Measurement Module Integrating Analog-to-Digital Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement modules for low-voltage switchboards require multiple cables to transmit current and voltage data, leading to complex cable layouts, increased costs, and difficulties in maintenance, as they often lack integrated voltage measurement capabilities and necessitate additional connections, which complicates the determination of power consumption and monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A measurement module with an integrated analog-to-digital converter and conductive elements for both current and voltage connections, allowing simultaneous measurement and transmission of data through a single digital output cable, reducing the number of cables needed and simplifying the installation process by integrating voltage connections directly with the fuse block base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate cables are used to transmit current and voltage data from the fuse block base to the measurement receiving device, then complete measurement data can be obtained, but the cable layout becomes complex, increasing installation cost and maintenance difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidcable layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement data transmission functions into a single communication cable by using an analog-to-digital converter that multiplexes current and voltage signals. Instead of requiring separate cables for each parameter, the system merges all measurement data into one digital communication channel, thereby maintaining complete measurement capability while dramatically reducing cable layout complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of multiple separate analog signal cables with a digital communication system. By converting analog measurement signals to digital format and transmitting them through a single digital communication cable, the system eliminates the need for multiple analog cables, reducing physical complexity while maintaining data integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If additional connection means are provided in other areas of the switchboard to obtain voltage measurements, then voltage values can be obtained, but mounting difficulties increase and the layout becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement capabilityVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement module is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that can obtain both current and voltage measurements through its own built-in connections. The module universally handles multiple measurement functions without requiring separate dedicated connection points in other switchboard areas, thereby maintaining complete measurement capability while simplifying installation to a single location

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

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement module acts as an intermediary device that internally manages the complexity of obtaining both current and voltage measurements. Instead of requiring the installer to create separate connections in multiple areas, the module provides its own internal connection means, mediating between the fuse block base and the measurement receiving device through a single integrated interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a measurement module without integrated voltage measurement is used, then the module structure is simpler, but additional means must be arranged to determine voltage, increasing time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule structure simplicityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement module merges voltage measurement capability with current measurement functionality in a single integrated unit. By combining these functions within the same module structure, the patent maintains relative structural simplicity while eliminating the need for separate voltage measurement arrangements, thereby reducing installation time without significantly increasing module complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement module is pre-configured with built-in voltage measurement connections and an analog-to-digital converter that handles both current and voltage signals. This preliminary integration of voltage measurement capability means that during installation, no additional arrangements or modifications are needed, thereby reducing installation time and resources while maintaining a relatively simple module design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces cable clutter, simplifies installation, and enables efficient power consumption monitoring by providing both current and voltage measurements in a single module, facilitating data transmission and reducing maintenance complexities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one current transformer to provide at least two analog measurement signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one analog-to-digital converter with at least one analog input configured to receive said at least one analog current measurement signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2779200B1Measurement module for a fuse block base
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 PRONUTEC
  • EP2779200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a measurement module (100, 100', 101, 101', 100") for a fuse block base which is more versatile, useful and optimal than existing measurement modules, needing less space for cables, where said measurement module (100, 100', 101, 101', 100") is connectable to output contacts (5, 5') of a fuse block base (1), on which at least one intensity transformer is mounted to provide at least one analog current measurement signal; where the measurement module (100, 100', 101, 101', 100") additionally comprises an analog-to-digital converter (40) with at least one analog input (41) configured to receive said analog current measurement signal, and with at least one digital connection port comprising at least one digital output (110).