Switchboard Refit Assembly With Digital Compliance Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional factory-assembled switchboards are limited in configuration options, expensive due to copper busbars, and difficult to install and transport, posing challenges in custom electrical equipment assembly and regulatory compliance.

Innovation Solution

An electrical equipment management system that allows for iterative disassembly and assembly of existing systems, providing automated instructions for technicians to assemble custom assemblies meeting manufacturing, operational, and regulatory standards, enabling digital regulatory compliance without site visits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional factory-assembled switchboards are used, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but configuration flexibility is limited and cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidregulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switchboard is divided into modular components (breakers, busbars, enclosures) that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation enables custom configurations while maintaining compliance through standardized certified components and documented assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows customization of configuration parameters (number of breakers, busbar arrangements, enclosure dimensions) while maintaining compliance through digital tracking and verification of each parameter against regulatory standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional factory-assembled switchboards are used, then regulatory compliance is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases due to copper busbars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidcopper busbar material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables optimization of busbar material quantity by allowing custom configuration designs that minimize copper usage while maintaining electrical performance and compliance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Digital models and documentation of compliant busbar configurations are created and reused, allowing optimization of material usage without requiring physical prototypes or extensive testing for each custom design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional factory-assembled switchboards are used, then quality control is maintained, but assembly time and lead times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly qualityVSAvoidlead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Compliant configurations are pre-designed and documented with assembly instructions before actual assembly begins. This preliminary preparation of standardized procedures and component lists enables rapid assembly while maintaining quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual quality control checks are supplemented with digital verification systems that automatically track assembly steps, component installations, and compliance requirements, reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional factory-assembled switchboards are used, then regulatory standards are met, but logistical challenges and shipping costs increase due to size and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory standard complianceVSAvoidswitchboard weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switchboard system is segmented into modular components that can be shipped separately and assembled on-site or in local facilities. This reduces individual shipment weights and enables distributed assembly, lowering logistical costs and improving delivery flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230299567A1Electrical equipment management

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC

AI summary

Techniques are described for electrical equipment management. Embodiments include a method for electrical equipment refit management, comprising: receiving a selection of an order of an existing electrical equipment system to disassemble and, in response, retrieving and providing a plurality of disassembly instructions; performing an iterative disassembly process to manage the disassembly of the existing electrical equipment system. A selection of an order of a refit electrical equipment system to assemble is received and, in response, retrieving and providing a plurality of refit instructions; An iterative assembly process is performed to manage the assembly of the refit electrical equipment system. Digital artifacts of the refit electrical equipment system are recorded during performance of the plurality of refit instructions as part of the iterative assembly process. A final assembly report for the refit electrical equipment system and stored together with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled refit electrical equipment system.