Modular Switch Communication Adapter for Expandable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low-voltage circuit breakers lack easy expandability for communication electronics without requiring a new circuit breaker, necessitating integration of communication options.
Innovation Solution
A communication adapter with blade contacts allows for easy replacement and expansion of communication electronics, enabling connection to existing connection modules via a hand-held connector module, and can be integrated into a slide-in frame for stable and safe electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication electronics are integrated directly into the circuit breaker, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and replacement cost increase when communication requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is divided into separate components: a communication adapter that interfaces with the circuit breaker and removable communication electronics that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows communication functionality to be upgraded without replacing the entire circuit breaker unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication electronics are designed to be dynamically replaceable through the hand-held connector module, which can be plugged and unplugged from the communication adapter. This dynamic configuration enables easy adaptation to changing communication requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication module is added between the connection module and hand plug module, then communication capability is provided, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter serves as an intermediary component between the connection module and hand plug module. It provides standardized interface contacts that simplify the integration process, allowing communication electronics to be added without complex wiring modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter is designed with universal compatibility features, including standardized contact interfaces that work with different hand-held connector modules. This multi-functionality reduces installation complexity by providing a single adapter solution for various communication requirements.
3Reliability
If knife contacts are used in contact strips, then electrical connection reliability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact strip design incorporates tolerance compensation features that cushion against manufacturing variations. The knife contact geometry and mounting structure are designed to maintain reliable electrical connection even when manufacturing precision varies within acceptable ranges.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) with a switch (2) for switching power, with modules (3, 4, 5) that can be plugged onto one another, wherein first contacts (K1) of one module (3 or 4) contact second contacts of the module (4 or 5) plugged onto it, wherein a first module (3) is a connection module (3a) from which electrical connections extend into the interior of the switch and which has first contacts (K1) on the outside, and wherein a second module (5) is a hand plug module (5a) that can be plugged onto the connection module (3a) with its second contacts, and from which electrical connections extend to the outside.A communication module (4b) with communication electronics (4c) has second contacts on one contact side and first contacts (K1) on the opposite, far-facing contact side. The communication module (4c) can be plugged into the connection module (3a) via its second contacts, and the hand plug module (5a) can be plugged into the communication module (4c) via its second contacts. The second contacts of the communication module (4c) are electrically connected to the first contacts (K1) of the communication module (4c) or to the communication electronics (4b). To allow for easy replacement and/or expansion of the communication electronics, it is proposed that the communication module (4c) be configured as a communication adapter (4a) and that the communication electronics (4b) be pluggable onto the communication adapter (4a).