Wireless Circuit Breaker Detector with Sensor and Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying which circuit breaker is associated with a particular alternating current (AC) line is challenging, especially when the line is remotely located, as existing methods require trial and error and can be time-consuming, often involving multiple trips to the breaker panel and receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors and wireless transmitters to detect voltage, current, light, or other parameters indicative of an active circuit, allowing users to remotely identify the associated circuit breaker by transmitting signals to a receiver, which alerts the user when the circuit state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional manual methods are used to identify circuit breaker associations, then users can determine which breaker is associated with a circuit, but the process requires multiple trips to the breaker panel and receptacle, consuming significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with electronic sensing and wireless communication technology. Sensors detect electrical parameters (voltage, current) and transmit data wirelessly to identify circuit breaker associations, eliminating the need for physical trips between the breaker panel and receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices between the circuit breaker and the user. These intermediaries automatically detect and communicate circuit status information, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical inspection by the user.
2Productivity
If sensors and wireless transmitters are deployed to detect circuit status, then identification of circuit breaker associations becomes efficient and remote, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional devices that combine sensing capabilities (detecting voltage, current, or both) with wireless transmission functions in single integrated units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the sensors and transmitters automatically detect circuit status and transmit information without requiring user intervention or complex configuration. The devices autonomously perform the identification task, reducing operational complexity for the user.
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 approach significantly reduces the effort required to determine which circuit breaker is associated with a particular circuit, enabling efficient identification without repeatedly turning off breakers or physically checking each circuit, thus streamlining electrical work and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for determining if a circuit is active
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal when an active circuit is sensed
Implementation Method 3
a wireless receiver for receiving the signal and alerting a user when an active circuit is found
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
A device for associating a circuit breaker with a circuit may have one or more sensors for remotely sensing that a circuit is active. When a sensor senses that a circuit is active, a transmitter may transmit a signal to a receiver that alerts a user. In this manner, the user may determine which of a plurality of different circuit breakers is associated with a particular circuit. This device mitigates the contemporary need to repeatedly turn off circuit breakers, go to the room in which the circuit is being monitored, and check to see if the circuit is active.