Remote Disconnect Switch Assembly Smart Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart grid technologies lack advanced disconnect switch components with integrated processing and sensing capabilities to effectively communicate with other smart devices, limiting their ability to manage energy usage and distribution efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A remote disconnect switch assembly is developed, comprising disconnect switches with an actuator, sensors, and a processor that can communicate over networks, enabling remote operation and real-time management of energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If disconnect switches are integrated with processing and sensing capabilities to enable smart grid communication, then energy management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (disconnect switch, actuator, sensors, processor, and communication interface) into a single integrated assembly. This merging enables the switch to function as both a power control device and a smart grid communication node, improving energy management efficiency while the integration itself manages the complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical disconnection, actuation control, environmental sensing (temperature, humidity, tamper detection), data processing, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, addressing the contradiction by consolidating capabilities rather than adding separate devices
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors and communication interfaces are added to disconnect switches, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and communication interfaces during the initial manufacturing of the disconnect switch assembly, rather than adding them as separate post-installation components. The housing is designed with pre-integrated mounting structures for these components, and the processor is pre-configured with communication protocols, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased component count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple components within a hierarchical structure: sensors are integrated into the housing, the processor is contained within a protected compartment, and the entire assembly is housed in a weather-resistant enclosure. This nested arrangement allows complex functionality to be achieved through organized integration, making manufacturing more manageable by structuring complexity in layers rather than scattered components
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are embodiments of a remote disconnect switch assembly 100. In one embodiment, the remote disconnect switch assembly comprises: an actuator 102 a shuttle 116 that is operably moved by the actuator; one or more disconnect switches 102 that are opened or closed by movement of the shuttle; one or more sensors 120; a communication interface 122; and a processor 118, wherein the processor is operably connected with the actuator, the one or more sensors and the communication interface, and wherein the processor is configured to: communicate with one or more other computing devices over a network using the communication interface; receive signals from the one or more sensors; and cause the actuator to operate in accordance with the signals received from the one or more sensors or the communications with the one or more other computing devices.