Wireless Circuit Breaker Identification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying which circuit breaker controls a specific electrical circuit in an electrical panel is challenging due to the lack of named circuits, requiring a time-consuming and laborious process of sequentially opening and closing circuit breakers while moving between the panel and the circuit location to determine if the circuit is energized or not.
Innovation Solution
A wireless circuit testing system that includes a circuit testing module with a connector mechanism for engaging with electrical connection points, a remote electronic device for wireless communication, and an indicator to alert the user of the circuit's energization status, allowing a single user to identify the associated circuit breaker from the electrical panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a person sequentially opens and closes circuit breakers to identify which one controls a particular circuit, then the circuit breaker can be identified, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically moving between the electrical panel and remote rooms to check circuit status with an electronic wireless communication system. The circuit testing module wirelessly transmits energization status data to a remote electronic device, eliminating the need for physical movement and manual observation, thus resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the circuit testing module at the electrical panel and the remote electronic device. This intermediary automatically transmits circuit energization status data, allowing the user to monitor circuit status remotely without physically moving to each circuit location, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Productivity
If an additional person is utilized to aid in identifying the circuit breaker, then the identification process becomes faster, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the circuit identification system to serve itself automatically through wireless communication. The circuit testing module autonomously detects circuit energization status and transmits this information to the remote electronic device without requiring another person to physically verify circuit status, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing the quantity of people needed to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human resource approach (using an additional person to verify circuit status) with an electronic automation approach. The wireless communication system automatically performs the verification function that would otherwise require a second person, maintaining identification speed while reducing labor requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electrical panel is located far away from the circuit providing power, then the electrical distribution system can be organized, but the process of checking circuit energization becomes more laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a wireless communication dimension to the traditional circuit checking process. Instead of requiring physical proximity to the circuit location for status verification, the system transmits energization status data through wireless communication channels, allowing the user to operate from the electrical panel location and eliminating the operational difficulty caused by distant panel placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the electrical panel and remote circuit locations. This intermediary allows the user to monitor circuit energization status from the panel location without physically traveling to remote rooms, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the electrical panel being located far from the circuits it controls.
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
Enables efficient identification of the circuit breaker controlling a particular electrical circuit by wirelessly determining the energization status, reducing the need for multiple trips and minimizing labor, while allowing remote operation from the electrical panel.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit testing module... adapted to identify a circuit breaker associated with an electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
a remote electronic device wirelessly connected to circuit testing module
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit testing system for identifying a circuit breaker associated with an electrical circuit is disclosed. The circuit testing system includes a circuit testing module and a connector mechanism provided on the circuit testing module. The connector mechanism is adapted to operably engage the circuit testing module with an electrical connection point of the electrical circuit. The circuit testing system further includes a remote electronic device wirelessly connected to circuit testing module. The connector mechanism is one of one or more prongs, a socket, and a probe; and the one of the one or more prongs, the socket, and the probe operably engages the circuit testing module to the electrical connection point.