Modular Electrical Device for Flexible Power Unit Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices for supplying power to multiple power units, such as motor starters, lack flexibility in modifying functionality without requiring complete device modifications, limiting their adaptability and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical device with a fixed support, input terminals, a first module with a circuit breaker, and a second removable module with distributed power lines and a control circuit, allowing for independent replacement of modules and elements for maintenance or adding new functionalities without affecting the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete device modification is performed to add functionality, then the device can provide new functions, but the complexity of modification and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent modules (first module with circuit breaker, second module with distribution circuit, third module with control circuit, and fourth module with connection interface). Each module can be independently modified or replaced without affecting the entire device, enabling functionality changes while keeping modification complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal interfaces and standardized connection points that allow different functional modules to be interchanged. The control circuit can work with various distribution circuits, and different connection interfaces can accommodate multiple types of electrical equipment, providing multi-functionality without requiring complete device redesign.
2Reliability
If the entire device is modified for maintenance or functionality addition, then all components can be updated, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into replaceable modules, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace only the specific module containing the faulty component. For example, if the distribution circuit fails, only the second module needs to be replaced rather than the entire device, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining overall device reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Faulty or obsolete modules can be extracted from the device and replaced with new or upgraded modules. The standardized interfaces allow for quick removal and installation of modules, enabling rapid maintenance operations without disassembling the entire device structure.
3Ease of repair
If modular design is implemented, then maintenance and functionality addition become easier, but the initial device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. While this increases initial design complexity, it dramatically simplifies repair operations by allowing independent module replacement. The segmentation creates clear boundaries and connection points that make troubleshooting and component replacement straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modules (e.g., the distribution circuit module combines power distribution, protection, and control functions). This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during maintenance, offsetting the initial modular design complexity with operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device for supplying electrical power to multiple power units includes a first module, including an electrical circuit breaker; a second, removable module, including a control circuit, programmed to trip the circuit breaker depending on values of the electric current that is flowing through power lines; a connection interface provided with output connectors that are connected to the power lines; removable elements, each containing an item of electrical equipment that is intended to be connected to an electrical power unit and to one of the power lines by the output connectors, the control circuit being connected to an interface for controlling each removable element via a data link by virtue of the connection interface.