U.S. patent application number 16/541365 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-05 for electronic device and load center including the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED. Invention is credited to DAVID AUSTIN ELDRIDGE, MAXIMILIAN ABEL MUELLER, RONALD LEE THOMPSON.
Application Number | 20190372314 16/541365 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57749205 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190372314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ELDRIDGE; DAVID AUSTIN ; et
al. |
December 5, 2019 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND LOAD CENTER INCLUDING THE SAME
Abstract
An electronic device includes a housing defining an exterior
shape of the electronic device, a processor, a power supply
structured to receive line power and to convert the line power for
use by the electronic device, a storage unit structured to store
data, and a number of data interfaces structured to receive a data
connection. The electronic device has a particular form factor that
is compatible with positions in a circuit breaker receiving area of
a load center. The electronic device is structured to provide the
functionality of at least one of a set-top box, a network data
interface, a telephone base station, a security system hub and a
home controller.
Inventors: |
ELDRIDGE; DAVID AUSTIN;
(KNOXVILLE, TN) ; MUELLER; MAXIMILIAN ABEL;
(KNOXVILLE, TN) ; THOMPSON; RONALD LEE;
(KNOXVILLE, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED |
DUBLIN 4 |
|
IE |
|
|
Assignee: |
EATON INTELLIGENT POWER
LIMITED
DUBLIN 4
IE
|
Family ID: |
57749205 |
Appl. No.: |
16/541365 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15369255 |
Dec 5, 2016 |
|
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16541365 |
|
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14808045 |
Jul 24, 2015 |
9548594 |
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15369255 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B 1/066 20130101;
H05K 7/02 20130101; H04W 84/042 20130101; H04M 11/00 20130101; H04W
4/80 20180201; H02B 1/04 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04M
1/72527 20130101; H02B 1/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02B 1/04 20060101
H02B001/04; H02B 1/24 20060101 H02B001/24; H05K 7/02 20060101
H05K007/02; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725; H04W 4/80 20060101
H04W004/80; H02B 1/06 20060101 H02B001/06 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: a housing defining an exterior
shape of the electronic device; and a processor structured to
control operations of the electronic device, wherein the electronic
device has a particular form factor that is compatible with
positions in a circuit breaker receiving area of a load center, and
wherein the electronic device is structured to provide the
functionality of a security system hub.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless
communication unit structured to wirelessly communicate with one or
more external devices.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the one or more
external devices include at least one of a computer, a tablet and a
mobile phone.
4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the wireless
communication unit is structured to communicate using at least one
of cellular, wi-fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-wave protocols.
5. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a number
of data interfaces structured to receive a data connection.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the number of data
interfaces are security system interfaces structured to connect to
components of a security system.
7. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a power
supply structured to receive line power and to convert the line
power for use by the electronic device, wherein the power supply is
structured to convert alternating current power to direct current
power.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is structured to communicate with one or more security system
elements.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is structured initiate one or more alarms or notify one or more
external parties of one or more security events.
10. A load center comprising: a circuit breaker receiving area
including a number of positions; and a number of electronic devices
installed in at least one of the number of positions, wherein at
least one of the electronic devices provides functionality of a
security system hub.
11. The load center of claim 10, further comprising: a number of
circuit breakers installed in at least one of the number of
positions.
12. The load center of claim 10, wherein at least one of the number
of electronic devices includes: a housing defining an exterior
shape of the at least one electronic device; a processor; a power
supply structured to receive line power and to convert the line
power for use by the at least one electronic device; a storage unit
structured to store data; and a number of data interfaces
structured to receive a data connection.
13. The load center of claim 12, wherein the number of data
interfaces are security system interfaces structured to connect to
components of a security system.
14. The load center of claim 12, wherein the at least one
electronic device further includes: a wireless communication unit
structured to wirelessly communicate with one or more external
devices.
15. The load center of claim 14, wherein the one or more external
devices include at least one of a computer, a tablet and a mobile
phone.
16. The load center device of claim 14, wherein the wireless
communication unit is structured to communicate using at least one
of cellular, wi-fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-wave protocols.
17. The load center of claim 12, wherein the power supply is
structured to convert alternating current power to direct current
power.
18. The load center of claim 10, wherein the at least one
electronic device further includes: an interface area including one
or more of indicator lights and a display and being structured to
provide indication of a status of the electronic device.
19. The load center of claim 10, wherein the at least one
electronic device is structured initiate one or more alarms or
notify one or more external parties of one or more security
events.
20. A system comprising: a load center comprising: a circuit
breaker receiving area including a number of positions; and a
number of electronic devices installed in at least one of the
number of positions, wherein at least one of the electronic devices
provides functionality of a security system hub; and at least one
security element, wherein the at least one electronic device is
structured to communicate with the at least one security element
and to initiate one or more alarms or notify one or more external
parties of one or more security events.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/369,255, filed Dec. 5, 2016,
entitled "ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND LOAD CENTER INCLUDING THE SAME"
which application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/808,045, filed Jul. 24, 2015,
entitled "ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND LOAD CENTER INCLUDING THE SAME",
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,548,594, issued Jan. 17, 2017, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to electronic
devices, and more particularly, to electronic devices installed in
load centers. The disclosed concept also relates to load
centers.
Background Information
[0003] Load centers or panel boards are generally a central
interface point for power distribution to a premise (e.g.,
building; residence). Load centers receive and/or send utility
power through a main feed, main breaker, main lugs, backfed circuit
breaker etc. The utility power is then distributed out to various
branch circuits via circuit breakers installed in the load
center.
[0004] The circuit breakers are installed into position (e.g.,
without limitation, slots) in the load center. The positions are
compatible with a particular form factor. Only circuit breakers
having the form factor that is compatible with the positions may be
installed into the positions in the load center.
[0005] While load centers are the central interface point for power
distribution at a premise, the premise likely receives many other
utilities such as cable and telephone service. However, these other
utilities are not routed through the load center. The functionality
of prior load centers has been limited to dealing with power
distribution.
[0006] There is thus room for improvement in load centers. There is
also room for improvement in electronic devices included in load
centers.
SUMMARY
[0007] These needs and others are met by embodiments of the
disclosed concept, which are directed to electronic devices that
provide the functionality of at least one of a set-top box, a
network router, a telephone base station, a security system hub and
a home controller and have a form factor compatible with positions
in a load center.
[0008] In accordance with aspects of the disclosed concept, an
electronic device comprises: a housing defining an exterior shape
of the electronic device; a processor; a power supply structured to
receive line power and to convert the line power for use by the
electronic device; a storage unit structured to store data; and a
number of data interfaces structured to receive a data connection,
wherein the electronic device has a particular form factor that is
compatible with positions in a circuit breaker receiving area of a
load center, and wherein the electronic device is structured to
provide the functionality of at least one of a set-top box, a
network data interface, a telephone base station, a security system
hub and a home controller.
[0009] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosed concept, a
load center comprises: a circuit breaker receiving area including a
number of positions structured to be compatible with devices having
a particular form factor; and a number of electronic devices having
the particular form factor and being installed in at least one of
the number of positions, wherein each of the electronic devices
provide functionality of at least one of a set-top box, a network
data interface, a telephone base station, a security system hub and
a home controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained
from the following description of the preferred embodiments when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a load center in accordance
with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit breaker in
accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;
[0013] FIGS. 3-7 are schematic diagrams of electronic devices in
accordance with example embodiments of the disclosed concept;
and
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the load center of FIG. 1
including an installed assortment of circuit breakers and
electronic devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, left,
right, front, back, top, bottom and derivatives thereof, relate to
the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not
limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
[0016] As employed herein, the term "form factor" refers to the
compatibility of an electronic device such as, without limitation,
a circuit breaker (e.g., a miniature circuit breaker) with a
position in a load center. That is, load centers may have positions
compatible with a particular form factor and electronic devices
having that particular form factor will be able to be installed in
those positions. Exterior shape may play a significant role in
determining the form factor of an electronic device. Electronic
devices having the same exterior shape will generally have the same
form factor. However, it will be appreciated by those having
ordinary skill in the art that some variations in the exterior
shape of an electronic device may be made without changing its form
factor. For example and without limitations, variations to the
exterior shape that do not affect the compatibility of an
electronic device with the position in the load center may be made
without affecting its form factor.
[0017] As employed herein, the term "processor" shall mean a
programmable analog and/or digital device that can store, retrieve
and process data; a controller; a control circuit; a computer; a
workstation; a personal computer; a microprocessor; a
microcontroller; a microcomputer; a central processing unit; a
mainframe computer; a mini-computer; a server; a networked
processor; or any suitable processing device or apparatus.
[0018] As employed herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an
integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a load center 1 in
accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The
load center 1 includes a housing 2 including a circuit breaker
receiving area 6. The circuit breaker receiving area 6 includes a
number of positions 8. The positions 8 are compatible with a
particular form factor. That is, only circuit breakers or other
electronic devices having the specific form factor corresponding to
the shape of the positions 8 may be installed in the positions 8.
For example and without limitation, if the positions 8 are
compatible with the form factor of a 1-inch per pole UL-489 listed
miniature circuit breaker, only 1-inch per pole miniature circuit
breakers or other electronic devices having substantially the same
form factor as 1-inch per pole miniature circuit breakers may be
installed in the positions 8.
[0020] The other electronic devices may extend the functionality of
the load center 1 beyond power distribution. While utility power is
routed through the circuit breakers, data such as, without
limitation, television data, internet data, phone data, or any
other suitable type of data is routed through the electronic
devices. Electronic devices in accordance with example embodiments
of the disclosed concept will be described in more detail with
respect to FIGS. 3-7.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit breaker 10 in
accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The
circuit breaker 10 includes a line power interface 12 structured to
electrically connect to a power source (e.g., without limitation,
LINE power) via a busbar or other suitable electrical connection
mechanism. The circuit breaker 10 also includes a load power
interface 15 structured to electrically connect to a load. The
circuit breaker 10 further includes a panel neutral interface 14
structured to electrically connect to a neutral or a ground at a
panel or load center and a load neutral interface 15 structured to
electrically connect to a load.
[0022] The circuit breaker 10 additionally includes a trip
mechanism 16 and separable contacts 18. The separable contacts 18
are electrically connected between the line power interface 12 and
the load power interface 13. When the separable contacts 18 are
closed, the line power interface 12 and the load power interface 13
are electrically connected. However, opening the separable contacts
18 electrically disconnects the line power interface 12 from the
load power interface 13.
[0023] The trip mechanism 16 is structured to monitor for trip
conditions at the circuit breaker 10 such as, for example and
without limitation, an overcurrent fault, an arc fault, a ground
fault, etc. The trip mechanism 16 is structured to open the
separable contacts 18 in response to detecting a trip condition. It
is contemplated that any suitable trip mechanism 16 may be employed
such as, for example and without limitation, a thermal and/or
magnetic trip mechanism or an electronic trip unit.
[0024] The circuit breaker 10 has a housing 20 that substantially
defines the exterior shape of the circuit breaker 10 and its form
factor. The form factor of the circuit breaker 10 may be a
particular form factor that is compatible with the positions 8 of
the load center 1 of FIG. 1. Although one example of a particular
form factor is shown, it will be appreciated that circuit breakers
having any suitable form factor may be employed without departing
from the scope of the disclosed concept.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 30 in
accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The
electronic device 30 of FIG. 3 is structured to provide
functionality of a set-top box. That is, the electronic device 30
is structured to receive, process and output video and audio
signals such as, without limitation, a cable television signal.
[0026] The electronic device 30 includes a line power interface 32
structured to electrically connect to a power source (e.g., without
limitation, LINE power) via a busbar or other suitable electrical
connection mechanism. The electronic device 30 also includes audio
and/or video interfaces 34 structured to receive a data connection
such as an audio and/or video data connection. The audio and/or
video interfaces 34 may include any suitable video input and output
interfaces such as, for example and without limitation, coaxial,
high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), composite video or any
other suitable type of audio and/or video interface.
[0027] The electronic device 30 further includes a power supply 36,
a processor 38, a storage unit 40, a wireless communication unit 42
and an antenna 44. The power supply 36 is structured to receive
power via the line power interface 32 and to convert it to a type
and level suitable for use by components of the electronic device
30. For example and without limitation, the power supply 36 may
include an AC/DC converter structured to convert AC line power to
DC power usable by components such as the processor 38.
[0028] The processor 38 may be, for example and without limitation,
a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable
processing device or circuitry, that interfaces with a memory such
as the storage unit 40 or another suitable memory. The processor 38
is structured to control operations of the electronic device 30.
For example and without limitation, the processor 38 may perform
processing on an input audio and/or video signal before outputting
the audio and/or video signal. Additionally, the processor 38 may
perform functions that would typically be performed by a set-top
box.
[0029] The storage unit 40 may be any of one or more of a variety
of types of internal and/or external storage media such as, without
limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM(s), EEPROM(s), FLASH, and the like that
provide a storage register, i.e., a machine readable medium, for
data storage such as in the fashion of an internal storage area of
a computer, and can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory.
[0030] The wireless communication unit 42 is structured to
wirelessly communicate with external devices such as, for example
and without limitation, a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a
cable provider's backend system or any other suitable type of
device. The wireless communication unit may wirelessly communicate
using any suitable communication protocol such as, for example and
without limitation, cellular, wi-fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave or
any other suitable wireless communication protocol. The antenna 44
is associated with the wireless communication unit 42 to facilitate
wireless communication.
[0031] The electronic device 30 further includes an interface area
46. The interface area 46 may include one or more of indicator
lights or a display structured to provide indication of the status
of the electronic device 30. The interface area 46 may also include
buttons or other interactive elements that allow a user to control
aspects of the electronic device 30.
[0032] The electronic device 30 has a housing 48 that substantially
defines the exterior shape of the electronic device 30 and its form
factor. The form factor of the electronic device 30 may be a
particular form factor that is compatible with the positions 8 of
the load center 1 of FIG. 1 and is substantially similar to the
form factor of the circuit breaker 10 of FIG. 2. Although one
example of a particular form factor is shown, it will be
appreciated that the electronic device 30 may have any suitable
form factor without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 50 in
accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed
concept. The electronic device 50 of FIG. 4 is structured to
provide functionality of a network data interface (e.g., without
limitation, a router). That is, the electronic device 50 is
structured to provide data routing for a network such as a local
area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). It is contemplated
that the electronic device 50 may service wired networks, wireless
networks or both.
[0034] The electronic device 50 includes a line power interface 52,
a power supply 56, a storage unit 60, a wireless communication unit
62, an antenna 64 and an interface area 66 which operate similar to
the line power interface 32, the power supply 36, the storage unit
40, the wireless communication unit 42, the antenna 44 and the
interface area 46 of the electronic device 30 of FIG. 3. Therefore,
further description of these components is omitted.
[0035] The electronic device 50 includes network interfaces 54. The
network interfaces 54 may include any suitable type of network
interface such as, for example and without limitation, RJ-45,
FireWire, universal serial bus (USB) or any other suitable type of
network interface.
[0036] The electronic device 50 further includes a processor 58.
The processor 58 may be, for example and without limitation, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable
processing device or circuitry, that interfaces with a memory such
as the storage unit 60 or another suitable memory. The processor 58
is structured to control operations of the electronic device 50.
For example and without limitation, the processor 58 may perform
functions that would typically be performed by a network data
interface. It is also contemplated that the processor 58 may
control the wireless communication unit 62 to receive and send
signals over a wireless network.
[0037] The electronic device 50 has a housing 68 that substantially
defines the exterior shape of the electronic device 50 and its form
factor. The form factor of the electronic device 50 may be a
particular form factor that is compatible with the positions 8 of
the load center 1 of FIG. 1 and is substantially similar to the
form factor of the circuit breaker 10 of FIG. 2. Although one
example of a particular form factor is shown, it will be
appreciated that the electronic device 50 may have any suitable
form factor without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 70 in
accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed
concept. The electronic device 70 of FIG. 5 is structured to
provide functionality of a telephone base station. That is, the
electronic device 70 is structured to serve as the entry point of a
telephone line to a residence or other type of premises.
[0039] The electronic device 70 includes a line power interface 72,
a power supply 76, a storage unit 80, a wireless communication unit
82, an antenna 84 and an interface area 86 which operate similar to
the line power interface 32, the power supply 36, the storage unit
40, the wireless communication unit 42, the antenna 44 and the
interface area 46 of the electronic device 30 of FIG. 3. Therefore,
further description of these components is omitted.
[0040] The electronic device 70 includes telephone interfaces 74.
The network interfaces 54 may include any suitable type of network
interface such as, for example and without limitation, RJ-11, or
any other suitable type of telephone interface.
[0041] The electronic device 70 further includes a processor 78.
The processor 78 may be, for example and without limitation, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable
processing device or circuitry, that interfaces with a memory such
as the storage unit 80 or another suitable memory. The processor 78
is structured to control operations of the electronic device 70.
For example and without limitation, the processor 78 may perform
functions that would typically be performed by a telephone base
station. It is also contemplated that the processor 78 may control
the wireless communication unit 82 to receive and send signals to
associated wireless telephones.
[0042] The electronic device 70 has a housing 88 that substantially
defines the exterior shape of the electronic device 70 and its form
factor. The form factor of the electronic device 70 may be a
particular form factor that is compatible with the positions 8 of
the load center 1 of FIG. 1 and is substantially similar to the
form factor of the circuit breaker 10 of FIG. 2. Although one
example of a particular form factor is shown, it will be
appreciated that the electronic device 70 may have any suitable
form factor without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 90 in
accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed
concept. The electronic device 90 of FIG. 6 is structured to
provide functionality of a security system hub. That is, the
electronic device 90 may receive and send signals to elements
associated with a security system as well as initiate alarms or
notify external parties of security events.
[0044] The electronic device 90 includes a line power interface 92,
a power supply 96, a storage unit 100, a wireless communication
unit 102, an antenna 104 and an interface area 106 which operate
similar to the line power interface 32, the power supply 36, the
storage unit 40, the wireless communication unit 42, the antenna 44
and the interface area 46 of the electronic device 30 of FIG. 3.
Therefore, further description of these components is omitted.
[0045] The electronic device 90 includes security system interfaces
94. The security system interfaces 94 may include any suitable type
of interface used by the security system. Although two security
system interfaces 94 are illustrated, it is contemplated that any
number of security system interfaces 94 may be employed without
departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
[0046] The electronic device 90 may communicate with elements of a
security system such as, without limitation, door sensors, motions
sensors, etc. via a wired connection through security system
interfaces 94. It is also contemplated that the electronic device
90 may communicate with elements of the security system via a
wireless connection using the wireless communication unit 102.
[0047] The electronic device 90 further includes a processor 98.
The processor 98 may be, for example and without limitation, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable
processing device or circuitry, that interfaces with a memory such
as the storage unit 100 or another suitable memory. The processor
98 is structured to control operations of the electronic device 90.
For example and without limitation, the processor 98 may perform
functions that would typically be performed by a security system
hub.
[0048] The electronic device 90 has a housing 108 that
substantially defines the exterior shape of the electronic device
90 and its form factor. The form factor of the electronic device 90
may be a particular form factor that is compatible with the
positions 8 of the load center 1 of FIG. 1 and is substantially
similar to the form factor of the circuit breaker 10 of FIG. 2.
Although one example of a particular form factor is shown, it will
be appreciated that the electronic device 90 may have any suitable
form factor without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 110 in
accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed
concept. The electronic device 110 of FIG. 7 is structured to
provide functionality of a home controller. That is, the electronic
device 110 is structured to communicate with various devices around
a home such as, for example and without limitation, lights, media
devices, wiring devices including receptacles, switches and
dimmers, blinds or shades, door locks or other types of devices to
allow a user to control devices around the home via the electronic
device 110. It is contemplated that the user may control the
electronic device 110 via a wireless device such as a tablet or a
mobile phone.
[0050] The electronic device 110 includes a line power interface
112, a power supply 116, a storage unit 120, a wireless
communication unit 122, an antenna 124 and an interface area 126
which operate similar to the line power interface 32, the power
supply 36, the storage unit 40, the wireless communication unit 42,
the antenna 44 and the interface area 46 of the electronic device
30 of FIG. 3. Therefore, further description of these components is
omitted.
[0051] The electronic device 110 includes home controller
interfaces 114. The home controller interfaces 114 may include any
suitable type of wired interface for communication with devices
around the home. It is also contemplated that the electronic device
110 may use the wireless communication unit 122 to wirelessly
communicate with devices around the home.
[0052] The electronic device 110 further includes a processor 118.
The processor 118 may be, for example and without limitation, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable
processing device or circuitry, that interfaces with a memory such
as the storage unit 120 or another suitable memory. The processor
118 is structured to control operations of the electronic device
110. For example and without limitation, the processor 118 may
perform functions that would typically be performed by a home
controller.
[0053] The electronic device 110 has a housing 128 that
substantially defines the exterior shape of the electronic device
110 and its form factor. The form factor of the electronic device
110 may be a particular form factor that is compatible with the
positions 8 of the load center 1 of FIG. 1 and is substantially
similar to the form factor of the circuit breaker 10 of FIG. 2.
Although one example of a particular form factor is shown, it will
be appreciated that the electronic device 110 may have any suitable
form factor without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0054] While the schematic diagrams of the electronic devices
30,50,70,90,110 of FIGS. 3-7 illustrate some example components
that may be included in the electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110, it
is contemplated that other configurations of the electronic devices
30,50,70,90,110 may also suitably provide a similar functionality.
It is therefore contemplated that components of the electronic
devices 30,50,70,90,110 may be added, removed or modified without
departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It is also
contemplated that the electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 may
include a power line communication unit capable of providing a
power line communication functionality without departing from the
scope of the disclosed concept.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the load center 1 of FIG. 1
including an installed assortment of circuit breakers 10 and
electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 in accordance with an example
embodiment of the disclosed concept.
[0056] Each of the positions 8 in the circuit breaker receiving
area 6 are compatible with a particular form factor. The circuit
breaker 10 and the electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 installed in
the positions 8 all have substantially the same particular form
factor that is compatible with the positions 8, and thus may be
installed in the positions 8. The electronic devices
30,50,70,90,110 may interact with various devices around a home
such as, for example and without limitation, a television 130, a
computer 132, a telephone 134, a security system element 136 and
devices 138 associated with a home controller. The circuit breaker
10 may provide protection to a load 140 such as, for example and
without limitation, heating or air conditioning units, appliances,
electric vehicle equipment or other devices that use power.
[0057] The load center 1 including both installed circuit breakers
10 and electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 provides enhanced
functionality compared to prior load centers which only dealt with
power distribution. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the art that any assortment of electronic devices
30,50,70,90,110 may be installed in the load center 1 without
departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
[0058] It is contemplated that in some example embodiments of the
disclosed concept, only a selection of one or more of the
electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 are installed in the load center
1. That is, no circuit breakers 10 are installed in the load center
1. In other example embodiments of the disclosed concept, both a
selection of one or more of the electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110
and one or more circuit breakers 10 are installed in the load
center 1.
[0059] In some example embodiments of the disclosed concept, the
circuit breakers 10 and electronic devices 30,50,70,90,110 may
communicate with each other via wired connections or wireless
connections.
[0060] It will be appreciated that in some example embodiments of
the disclosed concept, a circuit breaker or electronic device may
use multiple positions in a load center. For example, a circuit
breaker or electronic device may fit into two adjacent positions in
the load center simultaneously. It will be appreciated by those
having ordinary skill in the art that circuit breakers or
electronic devices that use multiple positions in a load center may
be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept.
[0061] While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have
been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those
details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
the disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the
claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
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