Metering Socket PCB Layout for Multi-Load Circuit Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring sockets can only measure energy and power for the load connected to them, requiring additional sockets for neighboring loads on the same circuit, which is costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A measuring socket with a single connection for an outer conductor forms a measuring bridge, allowing detection of other loads on the same circuit, without redesigning the terminal block, maintaining existing wiring integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connection means for an outer conductor is added to form a measuring bridge, then energy and power measurement of additional loads on the same circuit is enabled, but the terminal block design becomes infeasible due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the single connection means for the outer conductor from the terminal block plane to the rear side of the circuit board, creating a three-dimensional routing solution. This allows the measuring bridge connection to be established without adding complexity to the terminal block design, as the connection is made in a different spatial dimension (behind the circuit board) rather than alongside other terminal connections.
2Measurement precision
If another measuring socket is installed to measure neighboring loads, then measurement precision is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single measuring socket to perform multiple measurement functions by utilizing the outer conductor as a shared path. The measuring bridge allows the energy and power measuring device to detect not only the load connected to the measuring socket but also neighboring loads on the same circuit, making one device serve multiple measurement purposes that would traditionally require separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement functions for multiple loads into a single measuring socket by combining the measuring bridge circuitry with the existing measurement device. This integration allows simultaneous measurement of multiple loads through a unified measurement path, eliminating the need for separate measuring sockets and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal block is redesigned to accommodate additional connection means, then measurement functionality is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the single connection means for the outer conductor from the terminal block structure and relocates it to the rear side of the circuit board. This separation allows the terminal block to maintain its original six-connection design without modification, while the measuring bridge functionality is achieved through the extracted connection element positioned in a different location, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing complexity for the terminal block.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A measuring socket for energy and/or power measurement with respect to a load connected to the socket (S) is presented, comprising at least two connection means each for an outer conductor (L), a neutral conductor (N) and a protective conductor (PE), which are connected to an outer conductor contact, the neutral conductor contact and the protective conductor contact of the terminal block (K) of the base of the socket (S), and further comprising an energy and/or power measuring device (ME) arranged on a printed circuit board (LP), and a transmitting unit for transmitting the data obtained by the energy and/or power measurement to an evaluation unit, wherein an individual connection means (SK) for an outer conductor (L) contacts the outer conductor (L) to form a measuring bridge (Lslave) downstream of the energy and/or power measuring device (ME),so that the energy and/or power measuring device (ME) can, via the measuring bridge (Lslave), detect additional loads of the same load circuit connected to the measuring socket (S) with regard to energy and/or power measurement. It is particularly advantageous that the individual connection device (SK) and the terminal block (K) are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board (LP).