Rack-Mounted Power Meter Removable Options Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack-mounted power meters require disassembly and removal of tamper-proof seals for customized configurations, leading to downtime and increased verification costs, as they lack modular options for enhancing functionality without disturbing existing seals.
Innovation Solution
A removable metering options module that can be externally affixed to the power meter, providing additional features and functionality without exceeding standard dimensions, allowing for upgrades and modifications without disturbing tamper-proof seals, and is self-enclosed with its own tamper-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is installed inside the meter housing to customize configuration, then functionality is enhanced, but tamper-proof seals must be removed and verification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meter system is divided into a fixed sealed housing and a separate removable options module. The options module contains additional hardware components that can be installed or removed without opening the sealed housing. This segmentation allows customization while preserving the integrity of the main tamper-proof seals on the housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the meter is disassembled for customization, then additional features can be added, but downtime increases and verification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The options module is designed with dynamic installability, allowing users to add or remove functionality by simply plugging or unplugging the module from the front of the meter. This eliminates the need for disassembly and lengthy verification processes, reducing downtime to minimal module replacement time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the meter dimensions are increased to accommodate additional features, then functionality is enhanced, but the meter cannot be mounted in standard racks
Solution Approach 1:
The options module is designed to nest within or attach to the front of the standard meter housing without exceeding the original external dimensions. This allows additional features to be integrated while maintaining compatibility with standard rack mounting requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the meter housing is opened for customization, then configuration can be changed, but utility seals must be removed and inspection required
Solution Approach 1:
The customizable options module is extracted from the sealed housing environment and placed in a separate removable unit. This extraction allows configuration changes to be made outside the sealed system, eliminating the need to break utility seals or undergo formal verification inspections for customization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A meter for measuring power parameters on one or more electrical power lines/loads is configured to operate with our without a removable metering options module. The meter includes a meter housing designed and dimensioned for rack mounted installation in a bay of an equipment rack or cabinet, and metering circuitry configured to provide revenue accurate metering and power quality analysis for a power line/load. The metering options module may be mounted to an externally accessible surface of the meter to change the functionality of the metering circuitry without increasing the dimensions of an outer envelop of the meter, and without disturbing tamper-proof seals included on the meter.