Removable Communication Module Powered by Trip Unit Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installations lack efficient means for measuring current and energy, and existing solutions for implementing these measurements are complex, often requiring dismantling of trip units and cumbersome cabling for power supply.
Innovation Solution
A removable device connected to an electronic trip device via a connector accessible from outside the electrical panel, powered directly by the trip device, eliminating the need for batteries or external power sources, allowing easy connection and disconnection without disrupting the trip unit's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a communication module is fixed on an electronic trip unit, then current and energy measurements can be performed, but the installation becomes complex requiring dismantling and cabling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into two independent parts: the electronic trip unit (fixed in the electrical panel) and the removable communication module (can be detached). This segmentation allows the communication module to be easily connected or disconnected without affecting the trip unit, eliminating complex cabling operations while maintaining measurement capability through the trip unit's existing sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is extracted from the trip unit as a separate removable component. This extraction allows the communication function to be added without permanently modifying the trip unit structure, simplifying installation by eliminating the need to dismantle the trip unit and perform complex internal cabling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication module is fixed on an electronic trip unit, then communication capability is provided, but cabling operations are required to connect to the bus
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fixed trip unit and a removable communication module that interfaces with the trip unit's bus through a simple connector. This segmentation provides communication capability while eliminating complex cabling operations, as the module connects pluggably without requiring internal wiring modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is used to power the communication module, then independence from trip unit power is achieved, but reliability is reduced due to battery charging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module uses the trip unit's existing power supply system, drawing power through the same connector used for data communication. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate battery systems or external power supplies, maintaining reliability by using the already-tested trip unit power source while providing adequate power independence for removable operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an external power supply is used for the communication module, then power independence is achieved, but wiring complexity increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply connection is merged with the data communication connection. The same connector that establishes the communication bus connection also provides power supply to the removable module. This merging eliminates separate power wiring, reducing installation complexity while maintaining power independence for the removable module.
Data Source
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AI summary
This removable device (20) is intended to be connected to an electronic trigger (10). The trigger (10) comprises a housing and a connector (58) received in an opening (59) provided in a wall (53) of the housing. The connector (58) is accessible from outside the housing. The trigger (10) also includes an internal power supply bus (55) located inside the housing. The device (20) is suitable for connecting to said connector (58) and for receiving electrical power via the internal power supply bus (55) when connected to the connector (58). The device (20) includes a component (68) for drawing electrical power from the internal power supply bus (55). The trigger (10) includes a switching power supply (54) designed to deliver a power supply signal (S1).The sampling device (68) includes means for detecting each rising edge of the supply signal (S1), and electrical energy from the supply signal (S1) is sampled from the detection of a rising edge.