Fusible Meter Stack Apparatus for Compact Multi-Unit Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical power distribution systems for multi-unit complexes are bulky and complex, requiring significant space and labor for installation, and lack efficient solutions for compact power distribution and separate metering for each unit.
Innovation Solution
A meter stack apparatus with a compact enclosure design featuring a stack of meter sockets, cross bus connection section with cross bus bars, a pull-out fusible switch, and riser and connect bus bars that allow for electrical connection without external wiring, enabling efficient power distribution and expansion without the need for external wiring or conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional meter stacks with separate main panel box and multiple circuit breakers are used, then power distribution and metering functions are achieved, but space requirements and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main panel box, circuit breakers, and meter sockets into a single integrated meter stack apparatus. The enclosure houses both the power distribution components (main circuit breaker, circuit breakers) and metering components (meter sockets) together, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The meter stack apparatus serves multiple functions within a single device: it provides main power distribution through the main circuit breaker, individual circuit protection through multiple circuit breakers, and power consumption metering through meter sockets. This multi-functional integration resolves the contradiction by achieving versatile power distribution and metering capabilities without increasing space requirements
2Reliability
If conventional meter stacks with hard wiring and external conduits are used, then reliable electrical connections are established, but installation labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular circuit breaker units that can be individually installed and removed from the meter stack. Each circuit breaker is a self-contained module that connects to the bus bar and can be independently serviced, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable electrical connections through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The meter stack apparatus is pre-assembled with all electrical connections, bus bars, and mounting structures fabricated and tested before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary preparation of the complete assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site wiring and conduit installation, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable electrical connections are established from the outset
3Adaptability or versatility
If meter stacks are designed for future expansion, then adaptability is improved, but initial device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meter stack apparatus is designed as a modular system where circuit breakers and meter sockets can be individually added or removed. The enclosure provides standardized mounting positions and electrical connections that allow for incremental expansion of the system without requiring redesign of the entire apparatus, maintaining simplicity while enabling future adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides for expansion by adding circuit breakers and meter sockets in a vertical dimension within the enclosure, rather than requiring horizontal expansion that would increase footprint. This vertical arrangement allows for future capacity increases while maintaining the same space requirements and avoiding increases in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A fusible meter socket apparatus is disclosed. The meter stack apparatus includes an enclosure having a first and second side, a meter section including a stack of meter sockets configured to accept utility meters, a cross bus connection section including cross bus bars adapted to provide modular connection to other components, a pull-out fusible switch contained within the enclosure, riser bus bars coupled to a load side of the fusible switch and to a line side of the stack of meter sockets, and connect bus bars coupled to a line side of the fusible switch and to the cross bus bars. Electrical power distribution apparatus including the fusible meter socket apparatus, and methods of operating the fusible meter socket apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects.