Removable IED Cradle in a Sealed Switchboard Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for monitoring and managing electrical energy lack a secure, waterproof, and tamper-proof enclosure system that allows for easy installation and maintenance while ensuring reliable electrical connections and data integrity in outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A metering assembly comprising a switchboard case with a removable cradle and sealed cover that provides electrical connections, a sealing mechanism to prevent tampering, and a water-tight design, allowing for secure mounting and easy access for maintenance, along with a connection paddle for electrical coupling and a retaining member to maintain connection alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed waterproof enclosure is used to protect IEDs from environmental factors, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into separate sections: a fixed sealed housing that provides environmental protection, and a removable cradle that holds the IED. This segmentation allows the IED to be accessed for maintenance by simply removing the cradle rather than opening the entire sealed enclosure, thus maintaining both environmental protection and ease of maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If a removable cradle is used to facilitate easy installation and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle acts as an intermediary component between the IED and the sealed enclosure. It provides a simplified interface for installing and removing the IED while maintaining the integrity of the sealed enclosure. The cradle includes alignment features and electrical connectors that automate the connection process, reducing operational complexity despite adding a component.
3Ease of repair
If electrical connections are made through a removable cradle, then ease of maintenance is improved, but reliability of electrical connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is pre-equipped with electrical connectors and alignment features that ensure proper connection before the IED is inserted. The connectors are designed to engage automatically when the cradle is placed in the enclosure, eliminating the need for manual wiring and ensuring reliable electrical connections while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A metering assembly, switchboard case, adapter cradle and method of use are provided. A metering assembly of the present disclosure includes an intelligent electronic device (IED) disposed in a switchboard case. The switchboard case includes an enclosure which is connected to an electrical distribution system and a cover. The IED is mounted in a cradle which is removable from the enclosure. The cradle, or adaptor, interconnects electronics of the IED with an electrical circuit of the electrical distribution system. The cover includes a sealing mechanism which prevents removal of the cover and indicates when the cover has been tampered with. The cover further includes a sealed input/output interface which interconnects with input/output means of the IED disposed with the switchboard case. The enclosure and/or the cover have a gasket to seal the cover to the enclosure to making the switchboard case water-tight and enabled for used in outdoor applications.