Power Control Device Dynamic Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently and safely managing load balancing, as they often require time-consuming and hazardous reconfiguration of receptacle outlets and power cables to redistribute loads, posing risks to technicians.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution system with multiple power control devices connected to each circuit, featuring movable switches and safety features that allow for selective connection to different branch circuits, enabling load balancing without the need to unplug power cables, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional power distribution systems use fixed receptacle outlets connected to specific branch circuits, then the system structure is simple, but load balancing cannot be achieved and reconfiguration requires unplugging power cables which is time-consuming and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload balancing operationVSAvoidpower control device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing by making the connection between power modules and branch circuits changeable through movable switches. The switches can be moved to different positions to connect different subsets of power modules to different branch circuits, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions without physical reconfiguration or unplugging power cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the power modules into different subsets that can be independently controlled and assigned to different branch circuits. By segmenting the power modules and using multiple power control devices, each managing specific subsets, the system achieves flexible load distribution while maintaining a structured and manageable architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If technicians manually reconfigure receptacle outlets to balance loads, then load distribution improves, but technician safety deteriorates due to exposure to live power cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload balancing effectivenessVSAvoidtechnician safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the power distribution system to perform load balancing automatically through built-in power control devices with movable switches. The system can self-adjust the distribution of power modules to different branch circuits without requiring technicians to manually handle live electrical components, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining load balancing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If power cables are unplugged to reconfigure receptacle outlets, then load redistribution is possible, but reconfiguration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload redistribution capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability through movable switches that can be moved between different positions to change circuit connections. This allows load redistribution to be achieved quickly by simply moving switches rather than unplugging and replugging power cables, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different receptacle outlets are used to connect to different line conductors, then load balancing capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit connection flexibilityVSAvoidreceptacle outlet variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves circuit connection flexibility through universal power control devices that can connect different subsets of power modules to different branch circuits using movable switches. Instead of requiring multiple specialized receptacle outlets, a single multi-functional power control device performs the function of multiple different connectors, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7544077B1Control device for a power distribution system

Publication Date: 2009.06.09 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A power distribution system includes a plurality of circuits each configured to supply power, wherein the power distribution system includes a plurality of power modules. A first power control device is connected to each of the circuits and is configured to supply power to a first sub-set of the power modules from a first of the circuits. A second power control device is connected to each of the circuits and is configured to supply power to a second sub-set of the power modules that is different than the first sub-set of power modules. The second power control device is configured to supply power from a second of the circuits.