Modular Electrical Apparatus Addressing via Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular electrical systems for power control and distribution face challenges in flexibility and simplicity of installation and configuration, particularly in addressing multiple devices connected to a shared interconnection bus, requiring complex address attribution and management.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical apparatus with an interconnection bus and elastic conductive contact elements for stable connections, along with selection devices for easy address assignment, allowing for flexible and intuitive configuration and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared interconnection bus is provided inside the mounting rail for data communication between modular electrical apparatuses, then data exchange capability is improved, but the complexity of address attribution and management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address space by grouping modular electrical apparatuses according to their functional characteristics (e.g., circuit breakers, contactors, relays, measurement devices). Each group is assigned a common group address, dividing the addressing task into manageable segments rather than requiring unique addresses for every individual device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dual-mode addressing system where the same interconnection bus and communication protocol can handle both group-addressed communications (for functional groups) and individual-addressed communications (for specific devices within groups). This universal approach allows the system to accommodate different addressing needs without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If configuration software is used to assign unique addresses to each modular electrical apparatus, then address management capability is improved, but the installation and configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary configuration where group addresses can be assigned during the manufacturing or installation phase without requiring complex software intervention. The system is pre-configured to recognize functional groups, allowing address assignment to be performed in advance rather than during detailed configuration stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and groups modular electrical apparatuses based on their functional characteristics and connection patterns. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual address configuration by software, as the system autonomously organizes devices into functional groups and assigns appropriate group addresses.
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
Enhances flexibility and simplifies the installation and configuration of modular systems by enabling straightforward address assignment and management, reducing the number of required addresses, even in systems with numerous modules.
Implementation Method 1
said modular electrical apparatus (3-9) comprises a plurality of elastic conductive contact elements (65) provided for establishing stable connections to an interconnection bus (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
Addressable modular electrical apparatus (3-9) for the control and/or the distribution of electric power comprising : - a housing (17) that can be hooked to a mounting rail (2); - at least one connection interface (60, 70) adapted to connect the modular electrical apparatus (3-9) to an interconnection bus (30) shared by a plurality of modular electrical apparatuses (3-9); - a first selection device (110) placed on board the modular electrical apparatus (3-9) which makes it possible to assign an address to said modular electrical apparatus (3-9), by acting locally on the modular electrical apparatus (3-9) and selecting the address from among a plurality of addresses assignable to the apparatus (3-9).