Reconfigurable Power Distribution Panel with Interchangeable Bus Bar Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power distribution panels are preconfigured and fixed, making it difficult to adapt to changing power distribution requirements, as they cannot easily adjust the number of fuses or circuit breakers between bus bars.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable power distribution panel with interchangeable coupling devices and circuit protection locations on two bus bars, allowing for flexible reconfiguration of circuit protection devices and alarm strips, enabling easy adjustment of the number of circuit protection devices between the bus bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design with preassigned fuses or circuit breakers is used, then the panel structure is simple and stable, but the panel cannot adapt to changing power distribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple circuit protection locations that can be independently configured. Each location can be assigned to either bus bar, allowing flexible distribution of circuit breakers without redesigning the entire panel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Circuit breakers can be moved between bus bars by updating the assignment data structure, enabling the panel to adapt to changing power distribution needs over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is reconfigured to meet changing power needs, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
All circuit protection locations are pre-positioned and all necessary electrical connections are pre-established during manufacturing. The panel is prepared in advance with the complete set of possible configurations, so that reconfiguration only requires changing the assignment data, not physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical reconfiguration mechanisms with a data-driven system. Circuit breaker assignments are managed through data structures and software, eliminating the need for mechanical repositioning or physical reconfiguration of electrical connections.
3Ease of manufacture
If circuit breakers are fixed to specific bus bars, then the panel is easier to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate changes in power distribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with universal circuit protection locations that can serve either bus bar. Each location is equipped with the necessary electrical connections and mounting infrastructure to accommodate circuit breakers for either bus bar, making the panel universally adaptable to different configuration needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reconfigurable power distribution panel, a power distribution system, a method for reconfiguring a power distribution panel, and a method for manufacturing a reconfigurable power distribution panel. The reconfigurable distribution panel, among other elements, may include a first bus bar having a first plurality of contact points thereon and a plurality of circuit protection locations associated therewith and a second bus bar located proximate the first bus bar and having a second plurality of contact points thereon, the second plurality of contact points having the same plurality of circuit protection locations associated therewith. The reconfigurable power distribution panel may further include first and second coupling devices coupleable to a one of the first or second bus bars, respectively, at a chosen circuit protection location, and a circuit protection device coupleable to either the first bus bar or the second bus bar at the chosen circuit protection location by the selection of either the first or second coupling devices.