Meter Socket Disconnect With Integrated Surge Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power systems lack easy-to-install surge protectors and disconnect switches, posing risks during electrical surges and emergency situations, especially in buildings with multiple panels.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate disconnect section with a platform and couplings for meter base and electricity meter, incorporating a switch and surge suppressor for quick installation and manual operation, allowing easy access to disconnect the load from the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local surge suppressors are used to protect electronic devices, then surge protection is provided, but the devices become bulky and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the surge suppressor with the meter base assembly, integrating two previously separate functions (surge protection and meter mounting) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate bulky surge suppressor units while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter base assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mounting structure for the electricity meter and as a surge suppression device. The integrated design allows the same physical structure to provide both meter support and electrical surge protection without requiring additional components.
2Reliability
If surge suppressors are installed in breaker panels, then surge protection is provided, but the installation becomes time consuming especially in multi-panel buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The surge suppression capability is pre-integrated into the meter base assembly during manufacturing, rather than requiring field installation into breaker panels. This preliminary integration eliminates the time-consuming process of installing surge suppressors into existing breaker panels, especially in multi-panel buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter base assembly serves as an intermediary device that provides surge protection without requiring installation into the breaker panel infrastructure. By positioning the surge suppression function at the meter base level, the system avoids the complexity of integrating with existing breaker panel systems.
3Ease of operation
If a disconnect switch is installed deep within the electrical system, then the electrical distribution system can be controlled, but the switch becomes difficult to find and operate during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect switch is positioned at the meter base location, which is typically accessible from the exterior of the building near the service entrance. This spatial repositioning moves the disconnect function from deep within the building's electrical infrastructure to an externally accessible location, making it visible and operable during emergencies without compromising its control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle of the disconnect switch can be made distinctively colored or marked to enhance visibility. This visual differentiation ensures that emergency personnel can quickly locate and identify the disconnect switch among other electrical components during emergency situations.
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
Facilitates rapid installation of surge protection and provides a visible disconnect switch, enhancing safety during emergencies and simplifying installation in multi-panel buildings.
Implementation Method 1
A surge suppressor is mounted on the platform and is electrically coupled to a neutral coupling and to the first load coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate disconnect section (100) for mounting on a meter base (10) and an electricity meter (20). A first source coupling (117) mounted on a platform (106) is electrically couplable to a source connector of the meter base (10). A second source coupling (119) is electrically coupled to a source connection of the electricity meter (120). A first load coupling (121) is electrically coupled to a load connector of the meter base (10). A second load coupling (123) electrically coupled to a load connection of the electricity meter (20) and to the first load coupling (121). A switch (110) couples and decouples the first source coupling (117) to and from the second source coupling (119). A switching mechanism (130) opens and closes the switch (110) and includes an external device (138) that allows a user to open and close the switch (110) manually.