Field Programmable Fuse Panel With Remote Trip Value Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuse panels have fixed trip values, making it inefficient and costly to add new load devices as they require rebuilding or replacing the panel when a fuse with the correct trip value is not available.

Innovation Solution

Field programmable fuses with variable shunts and comparators that allow for selectable trip values, enabling the adjustment of impedance and threshold voltages to match different load current requirements, allowing for in-field customization of fuse settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed trip value fuses are used, then manufacturing and operation are simple, but adaptability to different load devices is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different load devicesVSAvoidfuse panel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse panel system transitions from static fixed trip values to dynamic programmable trip values. Each fuse module includes a microcontroller that can be programmed via communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI) to change trip values remotely, allowing the system to adapt to different load devices without physical panel modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse panel is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple load devices with different current requirements. By implementing programmable trip values and remote configuration capabilities, a single panel design can accommodate various applications (residential, commercial, industrial) without requiring custom-designed panels for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed trip value fuses are used during production, then manufacturing is simple, but flexibility for new load devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for new load devicesVSAvoidpanel customization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse modules are pre-equipped with programmable microcontrollers and communication interfaces during manufacturing, but the actual trip values are not fixed. Instead, they are configured later through remote programming after the panel is installed and connected to load devices, eliminating the need for complex customization during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The trip value parameter of each fuse is changed from a fixed manufacturing specification to a programmable parameter that can be adjusted remotely. The microcontroller stores trip value settings that can be modified through communication protocols, allowing flexible adaptation to new load devices without re manufacturing the panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a fuse with correct trip value is not available, then panel reliability is maintained, but productivity for adding new devices decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of adding new load devicesVSAvoidprotection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates communication interfaces that allow remote monitoring and configuration of trip values. When a new load device is added, the trip value can be programmed remotely based on the load requirements, ensuring accurate protection without manual intervention. The system provides feedback through status indicators and communication protocols to confirm proper configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 flexible and cost-effective integration of new load devices by allowing programmable fuses to be tailored for various current values, maximizing fuse utilization and eliminating the need for frequent panel replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage comparator that measures a voltage drop across the shunt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage drop measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

If the voltage drop across the shunt is at or above a threshold level, the comparator outputs a signal to the electronic switch to turn off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage threshold comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS8050005B2Automatic function with selectable fuse rating for single fuses and fuse panels

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A programmable fuse and fuse panel are described. Unlike conventional fuses and fuse panels, the trip values of the fuses of the panel—i.e., the current values at which the fuse trips—are field programmable. One of many advantages includes the ability to adaptively set the trip value of a fuse—depending on the operating needs of a load device—without having to physically exchange the fuse. In an embodiment, electronic fuses are used.