Switchgear Interface Synchronization via Centralized Update System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems with centralized control for switch-gear lack the ability to synchronize graphical representations of switch-gear lineup parameters across multiple user interface devices, leading to inconsistencies when modifications are made on one device without being reflected on others.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a central controller, interface devices, and an update system that allows modifications to switch-gear lineup parameters to be saved and published across all interface devices, ensuring identical graphical representations on all devices through a data network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple interface devices are used to display graphical representations of switch-gear lineup parameters, then accessibility and user convenience are improved, but consistency and synchronization of graphical representations across devices deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidconsistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple interface devices into a unified networked system where all devices share a common data structure for lineup parameters. The central controller maintains a master copy of parameters and distributes them to all interface devices, ensuring that while devices are physically separate for accessibility, they logically function as a unified system maintaining consistency across all displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where interface devices continuously report their displayed parameters back to the central controller, which then verifies consistency and initiates synchronization corrections if discrepancies are detected. This closed-loop feedback ensures that all interface devices maintain identical graphical representations despite being distributed across multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If modifications to lineup parameters are made at any interface device, then operational flexibility is improved, but synchronization complexity and time required to update all devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the data network infrastructure and establishing communication protocols before any parameter modifications occur. Interface devices are pre-synchronized with the master parameter set, and the system maintains ready-state synchronization buffers that enable rapid propagation of changes without requiring time-consuming sequential updates across all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional hard-wired configuration systems with an electronic data network-based system. Instead of physically reconfiguring connections or manually updating each device through mechanical interfaces, the system uses digital communication over a network to instantly propagate parameter changes to all interface devices, dramatically reducing synchronization time while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a centralized system is used to control multiple circuit breakers, then integrated protection and monitoring are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of maintaining consistency across distributed interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized control system into modular components: a central controller for integrated protection logic, distributed interface devices for local interaction, and a data network for communication. This segmentation allows the complex centralized control function to be maintained while distributing the user interface across multiple simpler devices, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while preserving integrated protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7826932B2Systems and methods for updating graphical representations on multiple interface devices

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A switch-gear system having a central controller for operating a plurality of circuit breakers, a first interface device, a second interface device, and an update system in communication with the first and second interface devices is provided. The first interface device can modify a lineup parameter of the plurality of circuit breakers in and display a first graphical representation of the lineup parameter. The second interface device can modify the lineup parameter and display a second graphical representation of the lineup parameter. The update system can save a modification to the lineup parameter at the first or second interface device and to publish the modification to the other of the first or second interface devices so that the first and second graphical representations are identical.