Modular Pluggable Electronic Processing Component for Smart Power Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution modules lack flexibility and interoperability, requiring custom solutions for smart power management and I/O controls, and often require significant investment for integration into existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular, pluggable electronic processing component with programmable circuitry, including a processor and bus interface, that fits into standard distribution modules, providing configurable I/O and optional features like relays and monitors, enabling integration into distributed systems without altering existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power distribution modules are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and interoperability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processing component is designed with a universal interface that complies with standard form factors (e.g., ISO 280), enabling it to be plugged into existing power distribution modules alongside traditional relays and fuses. The component includes configurable I/O terminals that can be programmed to perform multiple functions such as power management, monitoring, and control, allowing a single component to replace multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processing component is divided into modular segments including a processor, programmable circuitry, bus interface, and configurable I/O terminals. This segmentation allows different functional blocks to be independently programmed and configured, providing flexibility while maintaining a standardized physical form factor that integrates into existing systems without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom solutions are implemented for smart power management, then functionality is enhanced, but cost and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component provides smart power management functionality through programmable circuitry that can be configured via software without requiring custom hardware designs. The same standardized component can be deployed across different applications, reducing per-unit costs through economies of scale while providing enhanced functionality through software configuration rather than custom hardware integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The component allows functionality to be changed through software parameters and configuration settings rather than requiring physical redesign. The configurable I/O terminals can be programmed to change their electrical characteristics, communication protocols, and operational modes, enabling smart power management features to be added or modified without altering the physical component or incurring additional integration costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are upgraded with smart features, then system capability is improved, but retrofitting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processing component is designed to plug into existing power distribution modules using standard form factors and terminal configurations. This universal compatibility allows the component to be retrofitted into legacy systems without requiring modifications to the existing module housing, terminal sockets, or wiring harnesses, thereby improving system capability while minimizing retrofitting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The component includes a bus interface that acts as an intermediary between the existing power distribution module and the programmable logic. This bus interface translates between the standardized physical connections and the smart functionality, allowing existing systems to gain enhanced capabilities through a standardized communication protocol without requiring complex integration work or custom interface circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable, modular electronic processing component comprises a housing and programmable circuitry. The housing includes a set of conductive terminals that extend therefrom, and each terminal of the set of conductive terminals is sized and spaced to fit into a corresponding terminal socket of a distribution module. The programmable circuitry contained within the housing comprises a processor and a bus interface communicably coupled to the processor. The bus interface interfaces the pluggable, modular electronic processing component to a bus connected to via the distribution module. Further, the bus interface is coupled to a subset of the conductive terminals of the housing. Moreover, the programmable circuitry comprises a configurable input-output (or a set of configurable I/O) that is coupled to a second subset of the conductive terminals of the housing.