Smart Plug Data Messages for Circuit Breaker Load Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping and monitoring electrical connections between circuit breakers and their loads in datacenters are challenging due to the large number of components and complex topologies, leading to difficulties in identifying connection errors and maintaining accurate, up-to-date information.
Innovation Solution
The use of smart plugs and a connection monitoring module that transmit and process data messages over power cables, including identifiers of loads and circuit breakers, to detect heartbeats and identify connection statuses, generating alerts for potential errors and maintaining real-time mapping of electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual inspection methods are used to map electrical connections, then the system is simple to implement, but the accuracy and timeliness of connection mapping deteriorates due to the large number of components and complex topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data messages as an intermediary carrier that transmits connection information between circuit breakers and loads. These data messages contain identifiers and connection status information, enabling automatic mapping without direct visual inspection. The intermediary message system resolves the contradiction by providing accurate connection data while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection (mechanical human operation) with automated electronic monitoring. The system uses electronic data messages and automated processing to detect connection statuses, substituting the mechanical inspection process with an electronic system that provides continuous, accurate mapping without physical intervention.
2Loss of time
If manual monitoring of electrical connections is performed, then the system complexity is low, but the timeliness and real-time capability of connection status detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through periodic data message transmissions and persistent connection tracking. The system maintains continuous awareness of connection statuses by continuously receiving and processing data messages from circuit breakers and loads, eliminating the time loss associated with periodic manual inspections while managing complexity through efficient message handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where data messages continuously report connection statuses back to the monitoring system. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of connection changes, reducing detection time by immediately notifying the system of status changes rather than waiting for scheduled inspections, while complexity is managed through automated feedback processing.
3Reliability
If automated data message transmission is implemented, then the connection mapping accuracy and real-time monitoring improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using data messages that serve multiple purposes: they carry connection identifiers, status information, and timestamps simultaneously. The monitoring system performs multiple functions including receiving messages, parsing data, updating mappings, and detecting errors all through a unified automated process, improving reliability while managing complexity through consolidated multi-functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated data message generation and processing. Circuit breakers and loads automatically generate and transmit their own connection information without external intervention. The monitoring system automatically processes incoming messages and updates connection mappings without human input, improving reliability through consistent automated operation while reducing the operational complexity of manual monitoring tasks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides more accurate, up-to-date, and scalable mapping and monitoring of electrical connections, easily identifying loads and circuit breakers behind connection errors, reducing the need for visual inspections and improving error detection in datacenters.
Implementation Method 1
transmit and process data messages over power cables, including identifiers of loads and circuit breakers
Implementation Method 2
identifiers of the loads and circuit breakers may be periodically transmitted in data messages over the power cables. The periodic transmission of an identifier of a component in a data message over a power cable may represent a 'heartbeat.'
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for monitoring statuses of electrical connections are described. In an example, an identifier of a circuit breaker is received. A determination may be made that the circuit breaker is in an “on” state based on the identifier of the circuit breaker being received. Further, an identifier of a load connected to the circuit breaker over a power cable is received. The identifier of the load is transmitted over the power cable. A determination may be made that the load is connected to the circuit breaker based on the identifier of the load being received. The identifier of the circuit breaker, the identifier of the load, and electrical connection statuses of the circuit breaker and the load may be provided over an interface.