Adjustable Busbar Connection Device for On-Site Length Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in electrical busbar installation is the need for non-standard length connecting elements, which requires special orders and delays completion due to the inability to adjust the length of prefabricated busbar pipes on-site without compromising electrical performance.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with sliding and centering means, telescopic rails, insulating blocks, and clamping mechanisms allows for easy adjustment of the busbar length on-site, ensuring constant contact area and mechanical strength without requiring special tools or tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If prefabricated busbar pipes are used with fixed lengths, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the inability to adjust length on-site requires special orders and delays completion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidlength adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The busbar system transitions from fixed-length segments to an adjustable length mechanism. The connection device includes movable bars (6-9) that can slide relative to fixed bars (10-13) along guidance slots (14), allowing the overall length to be dynamically adjusted on-site to match actual installation requirements without special orders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into distinct modular components: fixed bars (10-13) housed in a fixed envelope (1), movable bars (6-9) housed in a movable envelope (2), sliding means (16), and clamping devices (17, 18, 27). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling flexible assembly and adjustment during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If connecting elements of non-standard length are ordered to complete installation, then the desired length is achieved, but delivery time delays project completion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustom length accuracyVSAvoiddelivery waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device enables installers to adjust the busbar length themselves on-site using the built-in adjustment mechanism. The movable envelope (2) with movable bars (6-9) can be positioned at any desired location along the fixed envelope (1) within the range allowed by the design, eliminating the need to wait for specially manufactured elements to be delivered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is pre-designed with adjustment capability built into its structure, including guidance slots (14), sliding means (16), and clamping devices (17, 18, 27). This preliminary preparation of the adjustment mechanism allows immediate length customization during installation without requiring post-manufacturing customization or special delivery arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable connection devices are integrated into prefabricated trunking, then length flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidconnection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable envelope (2) containing the movable bars (6-9) is designed to slide within and along the fixed envelope (1) containing the fixed bars (10-13). This nested arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to be compact while maintaining full functionality, reducing overall device complexity compared to external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: electrical connection through contact between bars (6-9) and (10-13), mechanical support through the envelope structure, length adjustment through sliding means (16), and secure positioning through clamping devices (17, 18, 27). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1921723B1Device for electrically connecting two parts of a prefabricated wiring system in order to adjust the length of said wiring system
Publication Date: 2010.11.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP1921723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1921723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1921723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (D) has two sets (A, B) of movable and fixed bar portions (6-9, 10-13) partially overlapping with each other and moving with respect to each other to modify an overlap length of the bar portions and length of the device. One set of bar portions is respectively provided in electrical contact with another set of bar portions over a contact zone. A maintaining unit maintains the two sets of bar portions in a selected adjustment position.