Load Test Scheduling for Electrical Circuit Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assigning connection points to fuse circuits in electrical installations are cumbersome, often require access to the fuse box, and disrupt ongoing operations, making it difficult to identify overloaded phases or fuses, especially in older installations with high line resistance or corrosion issues.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement with multiple measuring devices connected to connection points, capable of performing load tests and exchanging data to evaluate voltage and current measurements, allowing for relative assignment of connection points to fuse circuits without accessing the fuse box, and determining which points are in the same or different fuse circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to assign connection points to fuse circuits, then the assignment can be determined, but access to the fuse box is required and ongoing operations are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment accuracyVSAvoidoperational disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces measuring devices as intermediaries between connection points and fuse circuits. These devices connect to connection points via pluggable connectors and communicate through the electrical installation's existing wiring, eliminating the need for direct access to the fuse box while maintaining accurate assignment determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing the fuse box and manually testing circuits with an electronic measurement system. The measuring devices use electrical measurements and data communication to determine assignments non-invasively, allowing operations to continue uninterrupted

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

2Productivity

If multiple workers are deployed to perform assignment testing, then coverage is improved, but coordination and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring devices automatically perform measurements and determine assignments without requiring human coordination. The system self-manages the testing process, data collection, and assignment determination, eliminating the need for multiple workers to coordinate their actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent accelerates the assignment determination process by using automated electronic measurements and data processing. The system quickly analyzes electrical characteristics and communicates results, achieving high productivity without the coordination overhead of multiple workers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Measurement precision

If fuse circuits are electrically isolated during measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but access to the fuse box is required and operations must be stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation of the electrical installation during measurement. The measuring devices are connected to active connection points and communicate through the existing wiring while the system remains operational, eliminating the need to stop operations for measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Loss of information

If manual testing of all fuses is performed, then complete assignment information is obtained, but time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment information completenessVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring devices perform multiple functions simultaneously: they measure electrical characteristics, communicate with other devices through the installation wiring, and determine assignments for multiple connection points. This multi-functionality reduces both time and labor requirements while maintaining complete information accuracy

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

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

Enables simple and non-disruptive assignment of connection points to fuse circuits, allowing a single worker to identify correct assignments quickly, even during ongoing operations, without the need for access to the fuse box, thus improving safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The allocation of the individual connection points to the fuse circuits, as well as the allocation of the fuse circuits to the supply voltage phases, is carried out by the electrical installer when the electrical installation is created.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4293365B1Arrangement and method for assigning connection points to circuit breaker circuits of an electrical installation
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SCHNABEL WERNER
  • EP4293365B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP4293365B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP4293365B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

Arrangement for assigning connection points of an electrical installation to the fuse circuits of the electrical installation with two or more measuring devices, each comprising connection means (21), load test means for performing a load test and measuring the voltage applied under load and, if applicable, a current flowing, transmission means for transmitting the measured values ​​obtained during the load tests to other measuring devices (1.M) or further devices (1.C), wherein the arrangement (1) further comprises: coordination means for creating a load test schedule (LTS1, LTS1a, LTS2) which provides one or more time windows for all measuring devices (1.M, 1.C) for performing a load test of the respective connection point (30).1 - 6) specifies evaluation means for determining the evaluation results contained in the safety circuit assignment from the measurement results, and display means (25) to display the evaluation results with the safety circuit assignment, wherein the arrangement (1) is further prepared to create a load test schedule (LTS1, LTS1a, LTS2) using the coordination means, to carry out a load test of the connection points (30.1 - 6) using the measuring instruments (1.M, 1.C) according to the load test schedule (LTS1, LTS1a, LTS2), to obtain the desired assignment to a safety circuit (S1 - S4) of the electrical installation (3) using the evaluation means from the measurement results of the measuring instruments (1.M, 1.C) in such a way that it is evident from them which of the measuring instruments (1.M) are located in the same safety circuit (S1 - S4) and to display the evaluation results using the display means (25). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assigning safety circuits.