Modular Electrical Hub with Standardized Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical installation control devices face challenges with complex and error-prone wire-to-wire wiring due to long distances between concentrators and electrical devices, leading to difficulties in viewing and managing the cabinet structure.

Innovation Solution

A control device comprising a concentrator with standardized input-output connectors and a processing circuit that communicates with control modules via a link including a reference line, power supply line, and input-output lines, allowing for rapid and reliable wiring by using standardized connectors and reducing cable lengths through modular design and support systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire-to-wire wiring is used between hub and electrical devices, then electrical connections can be established, but wiring becomes complex and error-prone due to long distances and cabinet structure visibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wiring system into standardized connector units with predefined connection patterns. Each connector is divided into terminal sections that correspond to specific electrical devices, breaking down the complex overall wiring into manageable, standardized segments that reduce errors and simplify installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wiring parameter from custom wire-to-wire connections to standardized connector-based connections. By transforming the connection method into a standardized interface with fixed electrical patterns, the system achieves more reliable wiring while reducing complexity, as connectors can be quickly identified and connected without complex routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If standardized connectors are used for all connections, then wiring speed and reliability improve, but cable lengths may increase due to modular design requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring speedVSAvoidcable length
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring standardized connectors with predefined electrical connection patterns during manufacturing. This allows installers to quickly connect devices without complex routing decisions, significantly improving wiring speed while the modular design enables flexible placement that can accommodate reasonable cable length constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2568788B1Device and method for monitoring an electric apparatus or installation, electric installation comprising one such device
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2568788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2568788B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2568788B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The device has a hub (9) comprising input-output connectors (10) to connect input-outputs to an auxiliary control module (1) of a processing unit to process data of the input-outputs. A communication circuit communicates relative data of the input-outputs. The processing unit processes or defers states of each input-output of the hub. The connectors are connected to module connectors (4) of the module by a connection comprising a reference line, a feeding line, and an input line or an output line. The module is associated with a modular electrical appliance (19) e.g. circuit breaker. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an electric installation (2) a method for controlling an electric apparatus or electric installation.