Modular Smart Distribution Board for Space-Limited IoT Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution boards face spatial constraints and inflexibility in incorporating IoT functions, requiring separate devices for monitoring and communication, which complicates mass production and adaptation to varying industrial site needs.

Innovation Solution

A smart distribution board with a module expansion device that connects multiple modules via PCI slots and expansion connectors, featuring a processor that receives and transmits status information, and includes RF modules for wireless communication, enabling flexible module configuration and conversion between RS485 and Ethernet communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are installed for IoT functions (temperature collection, energy collection, RS485 converter), then the distribution board can perform various IoT functions, but the spatial constraints of the distribution board are violated and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIoT function capabilityVSAvoiddistribution board space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate IoT devices (temperature collection device, energy collection device, RS485 converter) into a single integrated module that can be mounted on the distribution board. This merging approach allows the distribution board to perform multiple IoT functions without requiring separate installations of each device, thereby solving the spatial constraint problem while maintaining adaptability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal module that performs multiple functions (temperature collection, energy collection, RS485 communication) within a single device. This multi-functional module can be adapted to different IoT requirements without requiring separate specialized devices, thus providing versatility while occupying minimal space on the distribution board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are installed for IoT functions, then the distribution board can perform various IoT functions, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIoT function capabilityVSAvoidnumber of separate devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate IoT devices into a single integrated module, reducing the number of components from multiple separate devices to one unified device. This significantly reduces device complexity and simplifies installation, maintenance, and configuration processes while maintaining all necessary IoT functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the distribution board is mass-produced with fixed configurations, then manufacturing efficiency is high, but it is difficult to adapt to varying industrial site requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production efficiencyVSAvoidadaptation to industrial sites

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IoT functionality into a separate, modular component that can be independently configured and attached to the distribution board. This segmentation allows the main distribution board to be mass-produced with a standardized base configuration, while the modular IoT module can be customized and selected based on specific industrial site requirements, thus maintaining both manufacturing efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic configuration capability where the IoT module can be selectively added or removed based on the specific requirements of different industrial sites. This dynamic approach allows the system to transition from a fixed mass-produced configuration to a customized configuration without requiring complete re-manufacturing of the distribution board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are installed for IoT functions, then various IoT functions can be performed, but the installation and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIoT function capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple IoT functions into a single integrated module, reducing the installation process from installing and configuring multiple separate devices to installing and configuring one unified device. This significantly reduces the time required for installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities while maintaining all necessary IoT capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240339816A1Smart distribution board comprising module expansion device

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A smart distribution board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a module expansion device mounted on each of a plurality of modules and connecting the plurality of modules with each other, wherein the module expansion device comprises: a PCI slot for connecting the module of the plurality of modules, on which the module expansion device is mounted; and at least one expansion connector for connecting the module on which the module expansion device is mounted and at least another module.