WO2016120888A1

WO2016120888A1 - Locking arrangement for electrical enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2016120888A1
Application number: PCT/IN2016/000031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gaurang Chauhan; Santosh Phulare; Basavarajappa NT
Original assignee: Raychem RPG Pvt Ltd
Current assignee: Raychem RPG Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-30
Filing date: 2016-01-29
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-30

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention describe a locking arrangement (200) for a power distribution system. The locking arrangement (200) comprises a locking unit (202) and an unlocking unit (204) operably coupled to the locking unit (202). The locking unit (202) comprises a prong (206) structured to include a groove and an electromagnetic assembly (208) comprising a set of plungers (210) structured to fit inside the groove of the prong (206) so as to enable manual locking and wherein each plunger (210) is coupled to an electromagnet (212) wound with a coil (213) such that energizing the coil (213) causes dislocation of the plunger (210) associated with the coil (213). The unlocking unit (204) comprises a power supply unit (218) configured to supply power to energize the coil (213) in each of the plungers (210), a control unit (222) configured for enabling communication between a user (224) and the power supply unit (218) and a communication unit (220) for establishing communication between the control unit (222) and the power distribution system.

Description

LOCKING ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to power distribution systems and more particularly to locking arrangement in a power distribution system,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Power distribution systems are typically used to supply phased AC power to individual consumers. The prevalence of electricity" theft necessitates the requirement of a robust locking arrangement for power distribution systems.

[0003] Conventional key type locking arrangement for power distribution system^' is not reliable as the key employed in the locking arrangement may be misplaced, damaged or lost. In which case opening the power distribution system may involve forced entry which may interrupt the power' supply. Further, the mechanical key is prbne to unauthorized duplication.

[0004] Another limitation associated with the conventional locking arrangement is usage of external devices for opening the lock that provides easy access to unauthorized opening. Thus, the key type locking arrangement may not be able; to prevent power, theft as the locking arrangement. is vulnerable to unauthorized and/or forced opening.

[0005] Further, inappropriate closing that may accompany the unauthorized opening may expose the power distribution system to external environment that may affect the operation and durabilit of the power distribution system.

[0006] Hence there exists a long felt need for a locking arrangement for a power distribution system that is reliable, customized, easy to operate and prevents power theft by limiting the access to secured and authorized entries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following paragraph discloses a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding o some aspects of the present invention. This summary is not an extensive of the total of the said invention, which neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the present invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed in a simplified form of the invention, as a prelud to the more detailed description that is disclosed later.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention describe a locking arrangement for a power ^'distribution^" system. The locking arrangement comprises a locking unit and an unlocking unit operably a pled to the locking unit. The locking unit comprises a prong coupled to a first portion of the power distribution system and structured to include a groove and an electromagnetic assembly comprising a set of plungers structured to fit inside the groove of the prong so as to enable manual locking of the first portion to the second portion and wherein each plunger in the set of plungers is coupled to an electromagnet wound with a coil such that energizing the coil causes dislocation of the plunger associated with the coil. The power supply unit is configured to supply power to energize the coil in each of the plungers, a control unit configured for enabling communication between a user arid the power supply unit and a communication unit for establishing communication between the control unit and the power distribution system.

[0009] The following description arid the- annexed drawings set forth certain i 1 lustrati ye aspects of the invention: However, these aspects are indicative of the principles of the present invention that may be used in various ways considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the following detailed description of the invention. Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a po wer distribution system;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing a locking arrangement for a power distribution system as described in one embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a locking unit as described in one embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 A illustrates a schematic diagram representing the locking unit in a unlocked condition as described in one embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram representing the locking unit in a locked condition as described in one embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram representing a locking unit as described in another embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram representing an unlocking unit as described in one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram representing an unlocking unit as described in another embodiment of the invention; and

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram representing an unlocking unit as described in yet another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It shall be- observed that system components described in accordance with exemplary embodiments have been represented by known symbols in the figures, showing only specific details that, are relevant for an understanding of the present disclosure. Further, details that arc readily apparent to those skilled in the art may not have been disclosed.

[0021] Various embodiments of the invention describe a locking arrangement 200 for securing access to a power, distribution system. Accordingly, FIG.1 illustrates a typical power distribution system 1Ό0. The power, distribution system 100 comprises a first portion 102 and a. second portion 104 that houses a bus bar 106 configured for connecting multiple conductors 108 including at least one incoming conductor. The structure and functioning o the power distribution system 100 is well known in the art and hence will not be described in detail.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts the block diagram of a locking arrangement 200 employed in providing selective access to the power distribution system 100. The locking arrangement 200 comprises a locking unit 202 and. an unlocking unit 204 configured to be operated in conjunction with the locking unit 202. Each of the locking unit 202 and the unlocking unit 204 may be located oh one of the first portion lO2 _:arid the second portion 104 of the power distribution system 100 such that the collective operation of the locking unit202 and the unlocking unit 204 results in latching of the first portion 102 to the second portion 104, that enables restrictive access to the power distribution system 100.

[0023] The locking unit 202 is an electromechanical lock having a mechanical locking arrangement. The locking unit 202 comprises a prong 206 and an electromagnetic assembly 208 operably coupled to the. prong 206. The mechanical locking arrangement provided by the locking unit 202 enables automatic latching of the first portion 102 to the second portion 104, subsequent to the manual locking of the prong 206 to the. electromagnetic assembly 20$. Further, the electromagnetic assembly 208 is configured M facilitate opening of the electromechanical lock upon energization. [0024] The electromagnetic assembly 208 described in the above embodimeht comprises a set of plungers 210 and an electromagnet 212 that is coupled, to the set of plungers 210: The set of plungers 210 may comprise one (indicated hereafter by 210) or more plungers. The electromagnet 212 coupled to each plunger 210 controls the movement of the plunger 210. The set of plungers 210 are structured to fit inside a groove of the prong 206 so as to enable locking of the first portion 102 to the second portion 104 when mechanically operated i.e, when the. first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100 is manually locked with the second portion 104 of the power distribution system 100, thereby causing the power ;distribution system 100 to be locked mechanically. Energizing the coils 213 coupled, to the plungers 210 generated -sufficient electromagnetic field that dislocates the plungers 210 away from the groove thereby unlocking the second portion 104 from the fifs portion 102.

[0025] Each plunger 210 may be coupled to the associated electromagnet 212 via a spring 214. The spring 214 coupled to the plunger 210: may aid in retracting- the plunger 210 from the groove during unlocking. The electromagnetic assembly 208 may further comprisepa support plate 216 coupled to each of the electromagnets 212. The support plate 216 is configured to affix the electromagnet 212 to a asing . that houses the .electromagneticassembly 208.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the locking unit 202. The prong 206 may b.e designed to have a tapering shape that while moving towards a locking condition pushes the plungers 210 away thereby compressing the spring 214 associated with the plungers' 210. Subsequently, the prong 206 reaches the locked position when the plungers 210 move inside a groove 301 of the prong 206 that leads to uricompression of the springs 214 associated with the plungers 210.

[0027] The set of plungers 210 are configured to be- positioned inside the groove 301 of the prong 20.6 so as to continuously hold the prong 206 in a locked position during a power down, condition. Energization of the^; electromagnets 212 associated with the plungers 210 generates an electromagnetic field that pulls back the plungers. 210 consequently disengaging the prong 206 from the plungers 210 thereby resulting in an unlocked condition of the power distribution system 100. The unlocked and locked condition of the locking unit 202 is illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B respectively.

[0028] In one embodiment, the prong 206 may be fixedly attached to the first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100. Alternatively, the prong 206 may be removably attached to the first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100. To facilitate the removabie attachment qf the prong 206 to the first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100, the first portion 102 ma be structured to include a pre-molded portion 302 with ah internal threading 304 that matches with the external threading 306 provided on the prong 206 so as to enable manual fixing of the prong 206 to the first portion 102.

[0029] In one embodiment, the prong 206 may be coupled, to a spring (not shown) encircling the prong 206 such that the prong .206 when released by the; plunger 210 moves back with a force that is proportional to compression of the spring (not shown).

[0030] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly 208 may be housed in a casing 308 that is fixedly attached to the: second portion 104 of the power distribution system 1 0. Alternatively, the casing 308 that houses the electromagnetic assembly 208 may be removably coupled to the second portion 104. In order to facilitate removable coupling of the electromagnetic assembly 208 to the second portion 104, the second portion 104 may be structured to include- a pre-molded portion 310 with ah internal threading 312 that matches with the external threading 314 provided on the casing 308. Such an arrangement facilitates manual fixing of the casing 308 to the second portion 1 4 of the power distribution system Ϊ 00;

[0031] Though, for the purpose of explanation, the prong 206 is illustrated as being coupled to the first portion 102 and the electromagnetic assembly 208 as being coupled to the second portion 104, it is to be understood that the positions of the prong 206 and the electromagnetic assembly 208 may vary within the power distribution system 100.

[0032] In one embodiment the: prong 206 is made of a non-magnetic material selected from a group comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and metals such as aluminum and copper that do not include permeable element such.as Iron (Fe). The non-magnetic material helps in disengagement, of the ^'-_.prong 206 from the plungers 210 during unlocking.

[0033] Further, each plunger 210 is made of ferrous metal (Iron) and alloys thereof.. The support plate 216 is made using one of a polycarbonate and Iron. The support plate 216 when made using iron is induced by the electromagnetic field generated and as a result exerts ah additional force on the plunger 210 thereby facilitating movement of the plunger 210 away from the groove 301, Further, the material selected for each of the components listed herein is indicative and non- exhaustive. Suitable, alternatives can however be used.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a . locking unit 500.: The locking unit 500 may comprise at least one plunger 502 that is coupled to the first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100. The plunger 502 is operably . coupled to a holding member 504 that is coupled to the second portion 104 of the power distribution system 100, Upon_, the application of mechanical force, the plunger 502 is moved to be positioned inside a groove 506 of the holding member 504. Thus, the holding member 504 is structured to hold the plunger .502 during a.powef down condition.

[0035] The locking unit 500 further comprises an unlocking unit 508 configured t be operated in conjunction with, the plunger 502. The unlocking- unit 508, when supplied with power, is configured for energizing an electromagnet 510 wound with a coil 12 and coupled to the plunger 502 via a spring 514. The: electromagnet 510 thus energized generates an electromagnetic field that causes retraction of the plunger 502 that is otherwise positioned inside the holding member 504. Retraction of the plunger 502 separates the first portion 102 from the second portion 104 and therefore enables opening of the power distribution system 100. The holding member 504 is made of a; non-magnetic material selected from a group comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and metals such as aluminum arid copper, whereas the plunger.502 is made of ferrous metal and alloys thereof.

[0036] The two exemplary embodiments of the locking Unit 202 and 500 described above are indicative and in general a simplified locking unit 202 may comprise a locking member 206 and at least one plunger 210 that is positioned inside a groove 301 provided in the locking member 206 during a power down condition. The plunger 210 may further be coupled to an electromagnet 212 such, that energizing the electromagnet 212 Causes retraction of the plunger 210 so as to release; the; lock. Many alternatives to the described exemplary embodiments ma occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternatives fall within, the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Turning back; to FIG. 2, the unlocking unit 204 comprises a power suppl unit 218 configured to supply power to energize the coils 213 associated with, each of the plungers 210. Further, each coils 213 associated with a plunger 210 may be connected to another using one of a series and a parallel connection.

[0038] The unlocking unit 204 further comprises a control unit 222 for establishing communicatibA between a user 224 and the power distribution system lQOj and a communication unit 220 configured for enabling cornmurtication between the control unit 222 and the power distribution system 100.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit 218 is configured for tapping power from the bus bar 106 of the power distribution system 100. Alternatively, the power supply unit 218 may source, power from an external source such as a battery or an external power supply. Sourcing power from an external.source enables ^: Utilo)C^ittg^'m \pQwer^'di^'srributiori system 100 during power down conditions.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit 218 may source power from an external power supply that is located within the control unit 222.

[0041] The components of the power supply unit 218 may vary based on the source that is employed by the power supply unit 218. £ri one basic embodiment^, the power supply unit 218 may be configured to directly supply power sourced from the bus bar 106 to the coil 213.Accordingly, the coil 213 may be designed to operate at a. voltage available at the bus bar 106. Alternatively, the coil 213 may be selected to operate at a voltage provided by the power supply unit 218, vyhich may vary based on the components of the power supply unit 218. [0042] In another embodiment, the power supply unit 218 comprises a relay and or an actuator coupled to the bus bar 106, the relay or the actuator being configured fo controlling energization of the coils 213 associated with each of the plungers 210.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the power supply unit 218 comprises a power conversion unit configured for converting AC to DC and a regulator unit coupled to the power conversion unit, the regulator unit configured for controlling DC power at a predetermined level. The output from the regulator unit may be employed, for energizing the coils 213 associated with each of the plungers 21 .

[0044] In yet another alternative embodiment, the power supply unit 218 comprises a regulator unit that intakes an unregulated input voltage and. provides a regulated output voltage that remains steady despite varying input voltage or output current.

[0045] Various-other constructions of the power supply unit 218 configured for supplying power based on the requirements of the coil 213 may occur to those skilled in art and all such: combinations fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] In one embodiment, the opefatihg ybltage'of the- coil 213 and the voltage supplied by the power supply unit 218 may be selected to be; of predetermined value so as to prevent unauthorized operatioh of the locking arrangement 200 by using power supply of standard voltage.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 2, the communication unit 220 comprises one of a wired and a wireless communication means. The wired communication means includes one of terminal block, RS232, universal serial bus (USB), FireWire and Ethernet whereas the wireless communication means includes one of Bluetooth, Radio-Frequency identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association flrDA), Ultra WideBand (UWB), ZigBee and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA),.3G and 4G wireless communication systems,. including. GSM, GPRS. EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiFi, WLAN, VoIP among others. In wired communication, the control unit 222 is coupled to the power distribution system 100 usihg.multi pin male or female connectors and optionally uses a flexible cable for connecting the connectors.

[0048] The control unit 222 is a portable instrument that is used by a user 224 for operating the locking arrangement 200 of the power distribution system 1Ό0. The components of the control unit 222 may vary based on the mariner in which the power is sourced by the power supply unit 218 (i.e, internal or external), the components o^"f the power supply unit 218 and the type of communication means employed by the communication unit 220.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, fotan unlocking unit Ϊ204 where the power is sourced from the bus bar 106 of the power distribution system 100 and wherein the components of the power supply unit 218 include a transformer for stepping down the voltage to required AC voltage depending on the coil design and a rectifier unit for converting the AG voltage to DC voltage that is required for operating the coil 213, and wherein the communication unit 220 employs wired communication means, the control unit 222 ma include an activation switch for connecting the power supply to the transformer for a predetermined time period. Such operation of the activation switch causes energization of the coil 2.13 for a predetermined time period that dislocates the plungers 210 and releases the first portion 102 from the second portion 104 thereby unlocking the power distribution system 100.

[0050] The control unit 222 in this embodiment may include, apart from the activation switch, a first indicator configured for indicating the unlock status of me power distribution system 100.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, for an unlocking unit 204 where the power is sourced from a battery, and wherein the components of the power supply unit 21 includes, regulator unit configured for supplying a steady output voltage t the coil 213, that is determined based on the coil design, and wherein the communication unit 220 employs wireless communication means such as RFID, the control unit 222 may include a first transceiver assembly configured for communicating with a second transceiver assembly coupled to the power supply unit 21 , a battery for powering the first, transceiver assembly,, a powering switch arid an activation switch for activating the second transceiver assembly. [0052] The control unit 222 in accordance with this embodiment may further include a first indicator configured for indicating the status of communication between the first transceiver assembly and the second transceiver assembly and a second indicator configured for indicating the unlock status of the power distribution system 100. In one exemplary embodiment, each f the indicators may comprise light emitting diodes (LED).

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the unlocking unit. 04 are further explained in conjunction with FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0054] FIG. 6 depicts an unlocking unit 204 where the power is sourced internally from the bus bar 106. the communication unit 220 employs a wired communication means and hence the control unit 222 is coupled to the power distribution system 100 directly using multi pin male or female connectors (hot shown). The communication unit, 220 may optionally employ a flexible cable (not shown) to connect the connectors (not shown) located at the control unit 222 and the power supply unit 218.

[0055] The control unit 222 comprises an auxiliary power, supply 602 and an operating switch 604. The power supply unit 218 comprises a relay 606 coupled to the auxiliary power supply 602. The power supply unit 218 further comprises a transformer 608 coupled to the bus bar 10 and a rectifier unit 610 coupled to the transformer 608, the rectifier unit 610 being configured for supplying power, for energizing the coils 213^: associated with each of the plungers 210.

[0056] Upon switching ON the operating switch 604, the auxiliary power supply 602 is configured to energize the relay 606 and relay contact is closed. The relay 606 is coupled to the transformer and is configured to control the iriput provided to the transformer 610.- Consequently, power from the bus bar 106 is fed to the transformer 608 that is configured to step down the voltage from 230V AC (for example) to a predetermined voltage for example 30V AC The neutral of the bus bar 106 is maintained in a connected position to the primary of the transformer 608. However, phase suppl is connected following the closure of the relay contact. This arrangement facilitates avoiding electricity theft from the connector (not shown) of the power distribution system 100. Further, this prevents unauthorized access to the power distribution system 100 when an external power supply is directly provided to the power supply unit 218 for unlocking.

[0057] The rectifier unit 610 coupled to the transformer 608 receives 30V AC as input from secondary of the transformer 608 and outputs about 30V DC. The rectifier unit 61,0 further being coupled to the coils 213 associated with each of the plungers 210 uses the output to energize the coils 213 in order to enable the electromagnets 212 to generate electromagnetic field; The electromagnetic field thus generated leads to dislocation of the plungers 210 from the groove 301 of the; prong 206 thereby releasing the prong 206 and unlocking the first portion 102 of the power distribution system 100 from the secorid portion 104. This facilitates manual opening of the power distribution system 100.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the.supply from the bus bar 106 can directly be provided to the rectifier unit 610 and output DC voltage can be reduced to a desired level by a voltage divider, circuit (not shown).

[0059] Skilled artisans shall however appreciate that each of the components of the power supply unit 218, including but not limited to the transformer.608 and. the rectifier unit 610, may be selected based on their voltage rating and configured for Collectively delivering a; voltage- that is estimated to be applied across the coil 213.

[0060] FIG. 7 depicts an unlocking unit 204 where the power is sourced internally from the bus bar 106 and wherein the; communication unit 220 employs? a- wireless communicatrbn means that is selected to be radio frequency identification (RFID).

[0061] The control unit 222 comprises a first transceiver assembly 702 configured to be operated by a user 224, and configured for transmitting an active signal.

[0062] The power supply unit 218 comprises a power supply circuitry 704 for tapping power from the bus bar 106 and converting the AC to DC at a predetermined voltage, a second transceiver assembly 706 configured for receiving an active signal transmitted by the first transceiver assembly 702 when the. first transmitter assembly 702 is located within a predetermined distance from the second transceiver assembly 706, a processing unit 708 coupled to the second transceiver assembly 706, the processing unit 708 configured for generating an output signal in response to receiving the active signal and a relay 710 coupled to the processing unit 708, the rela 710 configured to.be operated in response to receiving the output signal from, the processing unit 708.

[0063] The Operation of the relay 710 results in generation of a power pulse that in turn energizes each coils 213 associated with a plunger 210 in the set of plungers 210, in order to generate an electromagnetic field so as to dislocate the associated plunger 210 from the groove 301 thereby unlocking the first portion 102 from the second portion 104. The power pulse can be continuous supply for a specified time period or a single pulse for a predetermined time period for example a millisecond.

[0064] The control unit 222 may further comprise an activation switch 712 for enablin activation of the second transceiver assenibly 706 by a user 224 of the power distribution system lOOi Alternatively of additionally, the activation switch 712 may be provided on the first portion 102 or the second portion 104 of the power distribution system 100.

[0065] The^' control unit 222 may further comprise a first indicator 714 for indicating communication status of the between the user 224 and the power distribution system 100 and a second indicator 716 for indicatin unlock status of the power distribution system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second indicators, 714 and 716 may be provided on the first portion 102 or the second portion 104 of the power distribution system 100. The control unit 222 may be powered using a auxiliary power supply 718: Accordingly, the control unit 222 may further comprise a powering switch (not shown) for activating the auxiliary power supply 718 and a third indicator 720 coupled to the auxiliary, power supply 18. The third indicator 720 is configured- for indicating^ statusiOf th auxiliary power supply 718÷ [0066] The second indicator 716 is ON once the power distribution system 100 is unlocked following the application of the power pulse and subsequently the first portion 102 may be opened manually.

[0067] The power supply circuitry 70 is configured for supplying power to the second transmitter assembly 706 and the processing unit 708· In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply circuitry 704 comprises a rectifier unit (not shown) for converting the AG to DG and a regulation unit (riot shown) coupled t6 the rectifier unit (not shown), the regulation: unit (not shown) being configured for regulating DC power at a predetermined voltage.

[0068] Further, in one embodiment, the processing unit 708 comprises armicrocohtroller. Similar components that are configured to generate an output signal in response receiving communication may however be used,

[0069] FIG. 8 depicts an unlocking un t 204 where the power is sourced externally from a DC or an AC power, supply and, wherein the communication unit 220 employs a wired communication means. In one embodiment the power may be sourced from a DC power supply that is housed within the control unit 222

[0070] The control unit 222 comprises a first processing unit 802 and an activation switch 804. The first processing unit .802 is configured to communicate with the power supply unit 218 subsequent to the operation of the activation switch 804 by the user 224.

[0071] The power supply unit 218 comprises a second processing unit 806 and a relay 80S GoXiplifd. to the second pfocess'ing unil 806. The second processing unit 80 is configured to activate the relay 808 in response to receiving a communication from the first processing, unit 802. The relay 808' is; configured. to activateithe electromagnets 2i¾ associated with each of the plungers 210· for a predetermined duration in order to dislocate the plungers 210.

[0072] The power supply, unit 218 may comprise a power circuitry 810 for modifying the external power supply to suit the input required for energizing the, coil 243. Skilled artisans shall appreciate that the power circuitry 810 may include components selected from a group comprising a regulator, a voltage divider, a voltage stabilizer and a voltage converter.

[0073] The control unit 222 may further comprise a first indicator 812 for indicating the status of communication between the control unit 222 and the power distribution system 100 and a second indicator 81 for indicating unlock status of the power distribution system 100. Further, each of the indicators may be light emitting diodes (LED).

[0074] Some of the advantages of using the locking arrangement 200 described herein are listed below.

[0075] The locking arrangement 200 when installed in a power distribution system prevents power theft by limiting the access to secured and authorized entries.

[0076] The control unit 222 in the locking arrangement 200 enables communication between a user and the power supply unit 218, without which unlocking cannot be performed. This ensures an authorized and secured unlocking operation.

[0077] Sourcing of power supply for the power supply unit 218 can be done in many ways including internal supply using bus bar and external AC or DC power supply. This enables execution of unlocking operation under various operating conditions including power down conditions,

[0078] Further, in cohdilions where- switching off the power supply to the power distribution system 100 is imperative to carry out maintenance work on the power distribution system 100, enabling electrical personnel to unlock the power distribution system 100 during power down conditions enhances safety aspects of the power distribution system 100.

[0079] The locking arrangement 200 is embodied inside the power distribution system 100 which cannot be spot from outside and hence cannot be tampered with other than authorized persons carrying; the control unit 222. [0080] The locking arrangement 200 described herein is easy to assemble and therefore facilitates easy fixation of the self during installation of the power distribution system 100. The space requirement for the locking arrangement 200 described herein is moderate and can also be added on to the existing infrastructure of the power distribution system 100.

[0081] Parts of the locking unit 202 including the prong 206 and the electromagnetic assembly 208 may be manually coupled to the first portion 102 and second portion 104 respectively of the power distribution system 100. This provides flexibility during installation of the power distribution system 100 and further facilitates easy replacement of the parts if and when the need arises.

[0082] The power consumption by the locking arrangement 200 described herein is minimum as the power requirement is only during unlocking.

[0083] Though the locking arrangement 200 illustrated herein is described with respect to the power distribution system 100, application of the locking arrangement 200 may exteiid to other areas that involves latching of two mechanical components and all such applications that may not have been explicitly stated herein fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A locking arrangement (200) for a power distribution system, the locking arrangement (200) comprising:

a locking unit (202) comprising:

a prong (206) coupled to a first portion of the power distribution system and structured to include a groove; and

an electromagnetic assembly (208) comprising a set of plungers (210) coupled to a second portion of the power distribution system, the set of plungers (210) structured to fit inside the groove of the prong (206) so as to enable manual locking of the first portion to the second portion and wherein the set of plungers (210) are configured to be positioned inside the groove of the prong (206) so as to hold the prong (206) in a locked position during a power down condition and wherein each plunger (210) in the set of plungers (210) is coupled to an electromagnet (212) wound with a coil (213) such that energizing the coil (213) causes dislocation of the plunger (210) associated with the coil (213) that results in releasing the prong (206);

an unlocking unit (204) comprising:

a power supply unit (218) positioned within the second portion of the power distribution system, the power supply unit (218) configured to supply power to energize the coil (213) in each of the plungers (210);

a control unit (222) configured for enabling communication between a user (224) and the power supply unit (218); and

a communication unit (220) for establishing communication between the control unit (222) and the power distribution system.

2. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, wherein power distribution system comprises a bus bar configured for connecting multiple conductors and the power supply unit (218) is configured for tapping power from the bus bar.

3. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 2, wherein the power supply unit (218) comprises a relay coupled to the bus bar, the relay being configured for controlling energization of the coil (213) in each of the plungers (210).

4. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 3, wherein the power supply unit (218) comprises a transformer unit coupled to the relay and a rectifier unit coupled to the transformer, the rectifier unit being configured for supplying power for energizing the coil (213) in each of the plungers (210).

5. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 2, wherein the power supply unit (218) comprises a power conversion unit, configured for converting AC to DC, a regulator unit coupled to the power conversion unit, the regulator unit configured for controlling DC power at a predetermined level, and a relay coupled to the regulator unit, the relay being configured for supplying power for energizing the coil (213) in each of the plungers (210).

6. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, Wherein the power supply unit (218) is coupled to an external power supply.

7. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, wherein the communication unit (220) comprises one of a wired and a wireless communication means.

8. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 7, wherein the wired communication means includes one of a customized terminal block, RS232, universal serial bus, Fire Wire and Ethernet.

9. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 7, wherein the wireless communication means includes one of Bluetooth, Radio-Frequency identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra WideBand (UWB), ZigBee and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

10. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, wherein each coil (213) associated with a plunger (210) is connected to another using one of a serial and a parallel connection.

11. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises an indicator for indicating unlock status of the power distribution system.

12. The locking arrangement (200) of claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises an indicator for indicating communication status between the user (224) and the power supply unit (218).