Universal Trip Unit Communication Adapter Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit breakers require multiple communication adapters for different field bus protocols, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the need for unique adapters for each trip unit and protocol combination.
Innovation Solution
A communication adapter module that learns the capabilities of a trip unit using a plug'n'play communication protocol, allowing it to communicate with various trip unit styles, reducing the number of required adapter styles and supporting multiple protocols with a single adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unique communication adapter is provided for each field bus protocol and trip unit combination, then communication compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication adapter architecture where a single adapter style can support multiple field bus protocols (Devicenet, Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet IP) through software configuration rather than requiring hardware-specific adapters for each protocol-trip unit combination. This multi-functionality approach allows the same physical adapter to communicate with different trip unit styles by loading appropriate protocol software, thereby reducing adapter variety while maintaining broad communication compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter employs dynamic software loading and configuration capabilities that allow it to adapt its communication behavior based on the detected trip unit style and required protocol. The adapter can dynamically switch between different communication protocols and configurations without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement, enabling a single static hardware design to perform multiple dynamic functions across different communication scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication adapters are maintained in inventory for different protocols, then protocol-specific communication requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces inventory requirements by designing a universal adapter platform that can be configured through software to support multiple field bus protocols. Instead of maintaining separate inventory stocks for Devicenet, Profibus, Modbus, and Ethernet IP adapters, manufacturers can stock a single universal adapter style and provide protocol-specific software configurations, thereby simplifying inventory management while maintaining comprehensive protocol support
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter uses software-based protocol implementations that can be copied and loaded onto the universal hardware platform. Rather than manufacturing different physical adapters for each protocol, the patent employs software copies of protocol handling routines that can be instantiated on the same hardware, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory diversity while maintaining full protocol capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A trip unit (4) is for a circuit breaker (2) and includes a plurality of capabilities defining one trip unit style selected from a plurality of different trip unit styles. The trip unit includes a processor (10) including a communication interface (52, 54) having a communication protocol; and a communication adapter module (18) including a first communication interface (55) having the communication protocol, and a second communication interface (70). The communication adapter module is structured to learn the plurality of capabilities of the trip unit from the processor employing the communication protocol, and to communicate with any of the plurality of different trip unit styles including the one trip unit style.