PDU Circuit Breaker Reset Mechanism for Rack Rail Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and resetting tripped circuit breakers on power distribution units (PDUs) mounted between rack rails is difficult, especially in bayed environments, as it requires un-baying the racks and powering down connected devices due to cord length limitations.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker reset mechanism that fits around the rack rail, allowing access to reset tripped circuit breakers while preventing accidental tripping, using a bracket and elongated members that apply force to reset the breakers without interfering with their operation, and includes spring members to maintain distance and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PDU is mounted between rack rails to maintain power receptacle density, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but accessibility to circuit breakers for resetting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A reset mechanism acts as an intermediary tool that fits around the rack rail and extends toward the circuit breaker. This mechanism includes an elongated member with a distal end to contact the circuit breaker and a proximal end for applying force, allowing operators to reset breakers without direct access to the PDU rear panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the reset action from the traditional direct-contact dimension (requiring physical access to the circuit breaker) to a new dimensional approach by fitting around the rack rail and extending the reset mechanism through space, enabling operation from a different spatial position.
2Area of stationary object
If rack is bayed together with other racks to save space, then space utilization is improved, but access to tripped circuit breakers requires un-baying the entire rack
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism is designed as a segmented system that interfaces with individual rack rails rather than requiring access to the entire rack structure. The mechanism fits around the rail and can operate on any PDU mounted on that rail, allowing selective reset without disturbing other rack components or bayed racks.
3Device complexity
If cord length is limited to maintain compact PDU design, then PDU compactness is improved, but operational flexibility and access become restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism serves as an intermediary tool that compensates for the limited cord length by providing extended reach. The mechanism's elongated member extends from the operator's position through the rack rail to contact the circuit breaker, effectively overcoming the cord length limitation without requiring a longer power cord.
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
Enables easy and safe resetting of tripped circuit breakers without disrupting power to connected devices, maintaining power receptacle density and preventing accidental tripping.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated member includes a distal end to make contact with the circuit breaker, when force is applied to a proximal end of the elongated member, to reset the circuit breaker
Implementation Method 2
the circuit breaker reset member includes spring members to maintain distance between the circuit breaker reset member and the circuit breakers
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to circuit breaker reset for power distribution units (PDUs). In one example, an apparatus to reset a circuit breaker of a PDU includes a bracket to enclose a portion of a rack rail, where one end of the bracket is coupled to a surface of the PDU including the circuit breaker. The apparatus also includes an elongated member disposed within the bracket, the elongated member includes a distal end to make contact with the circuit breaker, when force is applied to a proximal end of the elongated member, to reset the circuit breaker.