Bi-directional Wireless Communication for Miniature Circuit Breakers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch circuit breakers require hard-wired connections for remote operation, increasing installation time and cost, and are prone to damage due to the use of small control wires.
Innovation Solution
Implementing bi-directional non-contact wireless electrically isolated communication between branch circuit breakers and a controller using optical transceivers, such as LEDs, integrated into communication strips within the load center, allowing automatic connection upon installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used for remote circuit breaker operation, then reliable control signal transmission is achieved, but installation time and cost increase, and wire damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired connection system with an optical wireless communication system. Optical transceivers transmit control signals and data between the circuit breaker and controller using light waves, eliminating the need for physical wire connections. This substitution maintains signal transmission reliability while dramatically reducing installation time and eliminating wire damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical transceivers as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between the circuit breaker and controller without direct electrical connection. The transceivers act as mediators that convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, then back to electrical signals at the destination, enabling wireless control while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If hard-wired connections are used for remote circuit breaker operation, then control functionality is achieved, but wiring space consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an optical wireless transmission system. Instead of running physical control wires through the load center, the system uses optical transceivers that communicate via light waves. This eliminates the need for dedicated wiring space while maintaining full remote control functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If small control wires are used for hard-wired connections, then wiring space is saved, but the wires are easily damaged or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable small control wires with an optical wireless communication system. The optical transceivers transmit signals without requiring physical wire connections, completely eliminating the durability problems associated with small control wires while maintaining compact installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces installation time and cost by eliminating the need for hard-wired connections and minimizing wire damage, while enabling efficient data exchange and control between circuit breakers and controllers.
Implementation Method 1
using optical transceivers, such as LEDs, integrated into communication strips within the load center
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electrically isolated plug-n-play communications system for branch circuit breakers. The system providing means for automatically connecting the wireless electrically isolated communication system between the branch circuit breaker and a communications strip as the branch circuit breaker is being installed in the load center.