Modular DC Bus Output Card for Emergency Lighting Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of components on integrated circuit boards in emergency lighting systems is laborious and time-consuming due to mechanical fixation and sensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD), and external output units are costly with separate housings and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A central unit with an output circuit arranged on a modular card that is detachably connectable to a base body, allowing easy replacement without tools, and includes features like powerline modulation, current/voltage measurement, and EMC filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output circuit is integrated on a fixed circuit board in the central unit, then the system structure is compact and stable, but the replacement of the output circuit becomes laborious and time-consuming requiring tool removal and mechanical disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit is segmented from the main central unit and placed on a separate replaceable circuit board that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the output circuit to be replaced without disassembling the entire central unit, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The output circuit is extracted from the integrated structure and placed on a separate replaceable board that can be easily removed from the central unit. This extraction enables quick replacement by simply disconnecting the board from the DC bus connections without requiring tool-based disassembly of the main unit.
2Ease of operation
If external output units are used to separate the output circuit from the central unit, then the replacement becomes easier, but the cost increases due to separate housing and multiple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The replaceable circuit board merges the output circuit functionality with a simplified carrier board that directly interfaces with the central unit's DC bus connections. This merged design eliminates the need for separate external housings and multiple connectors, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable circuit board is designed with universal compatibility to work with the central unit's standard connection interface. This universal design allows the same board format to serve multiple functions and be used across different configurations, reducing overall system cost while enabling easy replacement.
3Reliability
If the circuit board is mechanically fixed to the central unit with multiple connections, then the electrical connection is stable and reliable, but the removal and replacement process becomes complex requiring disconnection of several connections
Solution Approach 1:
The output circuit is extracted onto a separate board that maintains stable electrical connections through a simplified interface with the central unit. This extraction allows the board to be easily removed by disconnecting only the essential DC bus connections while maintaining reliable electrical contact during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between the replaceable board and central unit is designed to be dynamically changeable - firmly connected during operation for stable electrical contact, but easily disconnectable for replacement. This dynamic connection allows transition from a stable connected state to an easily removable state without permanent mechanical fixation.
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 easy and tool-free replacement of the output circuit, reducing labor and costs, while ensuring efficient power management and protection against ESD.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter (104) configured to convert the AC supply signal into a DC supply signal
Implementation Method 2
an electrical energy storage, in particular a battery (105), configured to be charged by the DC supply signal, wherein the electrical energy storage is configured to supply electrical power in an emergency situation
Implementation Method 3
a DC/DC converter (107) configured to convert a DC output signal of the electrical energy storage into a DC bus voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central unit (100) for supplying emergency lighting means (101a, 101b) on a DC bus (101), comprising an AC input (103) for receiving an AC supply signal, an AC/DC converter (104) configured to convert the AC supply signal into a DC supply signal, an electrical energy storage (105), in particular a battery, configured to be charged by the DC supply signal, wherein the electrical energy storage (105) is configured to supply electrical power in an emergency situation, and a DC/DC converter (107) configured to convert a DC output signal of the electrical energy storage (105) into a DC bus voltage and to forward the DC bus voltage to the lighting means (101a, 101b) on the DC bus (101) via an output circuit (109), wherein the output circuit (109) is arranged on a modular card (111), and wherein the modular card (111) is detachably connectable to a base body (102) of the central unit (100).