Universal Breaker Positions for Flexible Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical power distribution apparatuses require fixed and dedicated subsystems for each bus, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization, increased cost and complexity, and reduced reliability, as well as the need for specialized skills and tools for reconfiguration, especially in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution apparatus with multiple power supply bus structures and electrical conductors, each with arrayed electrical connection structures, and electrical bridging units that can be oriented to establish connections between selected bus structures and conductors without a fixed ratio, allowing for flexible assignment of device positions to buses without requiring special skills, tools, or additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed and dedicated subsystems are used for each bus, then power distribution reliability is maintained, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker panel is designed with universal breaker positions that can be configured for different voltage operations (+24V or -48V) through selectable jumpers. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to serve multiple bus types, improving space utilization while maintaining reliability through proper electrical isolation and configuration options for each breaker position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed and dedicated subsystems are used for each bus, then power distribution stability is ensured, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of breaker positions between different voltage operations through selectable jumpers without requiring physical modifications or specialized tools. This dynamic adaptability allows the power distribution system to respond to changing operational requirements while maintaining stable power delivery through proven circuit breaker technology and proper electrical isolation.
3Manufacturing precision
If reconfiguration is performed with specialized tools in hazardous environments, then proper electrical connections are achieved, but operation complexity increases and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The breaker positions are designed with self-configuring jumper selections that can be made using standard tools rather than specialized equipment. The selectable jumpers provide clear visual indicators and mechanical guidance for proper connection, enabling operators to achieve precise electrical connections without requiring specialized training or tools, thereby simplifying operations in hazardous environments while maintaining connection accuracy.
4Strength
If multiple parts and fasteners are used for bus assignments, then electrical connections are secured, but cost increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges the electrical connection and bus assignment functions into a single integrated breaker position structure with built-in selectable jumpers. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate parts and fasteners for different bus configurations, reducing overall device complexity and the number of components while maintaining secure electrical connections through the integrated jumper and breaker assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for distributing electrical power from a plurality of power sources among a plurality of electrical conductors includes: (a) A plurality of power supply bus structures. Each respective power supply bus structure is coupled with at least one respective power source and presents a respective plurality of first electrical connection structures arranged in a respective first spaced array. (b) Each respective electrical conductor presents a respective plurality of second electrical connection structures arranged in a respective second spaced array. (c) At least one electrical bridging unit coupling a respective first electrical connection structure and a respective second electrical connection structure to establish electrical connection between a selected respective power supply bus structure and a selected respective electrical conductor.