Adjustable Bus Bar Ball Joint Clamp Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional busbar assemblies fail to provide a rigid connection between electrical equipment units due to relative positional misalignment, as they rely on flexible cables for coupling, which do not accommodate misalignment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A busbar assembly featuring a conductive rod surrounded by an insulator sleeve with ball members at each end, and a clamp mechanism that allows for positional adjustment and secure electrical coupling, enabling alignment and connection between misaligned equipment units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible cable is used between connectors coupled to switchgear units, then effective coupling between electrical equipment is provided, but a rigid connection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar assembly is divided into multiple segments: rigid conductive portions for strong electrical connection and flexible cable portions for accommodating misalignment. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the rigid portions provide the required rigid connection while the flexible cable sections provide the necessary flexibility to handle positional variations between electrical equipment units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the connection medium by using different materials with different flexibility characteristics in different sections. The conductive portions use rigid materials (such as copper or aluminum bars) for strong connection, while the cable portions use flexible insulated conductors that can bend and accommodate misalignment, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility
2Strength
If a conductive rod is used to provide rigid connection, then rigid electrical coupling is achieved, but misalignment between electrical equipment units cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection path is segmented into rigid conductive portions and flexible cable portions. The rigid conductive portions (busbars) provide the required rigid electrical coupling, while the flexible cable portions interspersed between them accommodate the misalignment between electrical equipment units. This allows the system to simultaneously achieve both rigid connection and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two seemingly contradictory connection types - rigid conductive connection and flexible cable connection - into a single hybrid busbar assembly. By combining rigid conductive portions with flexible cable portions in series, the assembly simultaneously provides both rigid electrical coupling and the ability to accommodate misalignment
3Reliability
If conventional busbar assemblies are used, then electrical coupling is provided, but rigid connection between electrical equipment units is not achieved due to positional misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar assembly incorporates dynamic flexibility through cable portions that can bend and adjust to positional misalignment between electrical equipment units. This dynamic capability allows the assembly to maintain reliable electrical coupling even when equipment positions vary, while the rigid conductive portions ensure strong connection where needed
Data Source
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AI summary
A busbar assembly for interconnecting electrical equipment units is disclosed. The busbar assembly includes one or more conductors have a conductive rod. Each end of the conductive rod has an end forming a ball member. The busbar assembly also includes two or more connectors having a clamp mechanism to receive the ball member of the conductive rod, A fastener threadably couples with a conductor on an electrical equipment unit to rigidly secure the busbar assembly to the electrical equipment units.