High-Speed Communications Coupling for Circuit Breaker Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers are not optimized for high-speed communications, such as CAT5 and CAT6, as they require larger conductors and spacing, leading to suboptimal performance and the need to position high-speed connectors outside the main breaker, which slows down data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker assembly with a secondary disconnect assembly that includes a high-speed communications connector embedded in the primary electronics, allowing automatic connection and disconnection, enabling real-time data transmission through self-aligning coupling portions when the circuit breaker moves between connected and disconnected positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-speed communications connectors are positioned outside the main breaker, then larger conductors and spacing can accommodate voltage requirements, but data transmission speed decreases due to conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-speed communications connector with the primary disconnect terminals by integrating the secondary disconnect apparatus into the same coupling structure. This allows the connector to be positioned within the main breaker assembly rather than outside, eliminating the need for data conversion while maintaining proper voltage accommodation through the integrated design
2Reliability
If conventional secondary disconnect terminals are used for high-speed communications, then voltage requirements can be met with larger conductors, but the connector size and engagement are insufficient for optimal high-speed performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized high-speed communications connector region within the coupling structure that has different characteristics from the main power terminals. This local area is optimized for high-speed data transmission with appropriate conductor size and spacing, while the overall structure maintains voltage accommodation capabilities
3Speed
If high-speed connectors are embedded in primary electronics, then real-time data transmission is enabled, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single coupling structure that serves multiple functions: it accommodates both the primary disconnect terminals for power connection and the high-speed communications connector for data transmission. This multi-functional design embeds the high-speed connector within the existing coupling mechanism, enabling real-time data transmission without requiring a separate, complex coupling system
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary disconnect assembly for use with a circuit breaker moveable between a connected position and a disconnected position includes a first secondary disconnect apparatus and a second secondary disconnect apparatus. The first secondary disconnect apparatus includes a first coupling portion having at least one high speed communications connector. The second secondary disconnect apparatus includes a second coupling portion removably coupled to the first coupling portion. The second coupling portion includes at least one opening configured to receive the high speed communications connector when the circuit breaker is moved from the disconnected position to the connected position to enable high speed data transmission through the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.