Adjustable Electrical Busway Joint for Flexible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical busway systems require custom-length joints, leading to increased costs and installation time due to the need for non-standard sections and joints, as fixed-length sections often do not match specific installation requirements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable busway joint that allows for longitudinal movement between compressed and extended positions, enabling flexible connection of busway sections without the need for custom-length sections, allowing installers to adjust the joint to any desired length and fix it in place for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length busway sections are used, then manufacturing and distribution is simplified, but custom-length sections are required for specific installations, increasing cost and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The busway joint incorporates movable splice plates that can slide relative to each other along guide surfaces, transforming the joint from a fixed-length component to an adjustable-length component. This dynamic mechanism allows the joint to adapt to various installation lengths without requiring custom-manufactured sections, thereby reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the length parameter of the busway joint by allowing the splice plates to move between different positions. The joint length can be adjusted by moving the splice plates along the guide surfaces and securing them at the desired position using positioning members, enabling a single standardized joint design to serve multiple installation scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-length busway sections are manufactured, then specific installation requirements are met, but manufacturing cost and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The busway joint is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple installation lengths and configurations. By incorporating movable splice plates with adjustment portions and positioning members, a single standardized joint design can serve various installation scenarios, eliminating the need for custom-manufactured sections while maintaining adaptability to specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism within the joint allows it to change its effective length to match different installation requirements. The splice plates can be positioned at various locations along the guide surfaces and secured using positioning members, enabling one universal joint design to replace multiple custom-designed joints.
3Reliability
If conventional fixed joints are used, then electrical connection is established, but the joint length cannot be adjusted to match specific installation lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The joint incorporates movable splice plates that can slide along guide surfaces while maintaining electrical contact. The splice plates are equipped with adjustment portions and positioning members that allow the joint length to be adjusted to match specific installation lengths while ensuring reliable electrical connection through continuous contact between the conductive surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces act as intermediaries between the movable splice plates, providing a controlled path for adjustment while maintaining alignment and electrical contact. The positioning members serve as intermediaries to secure the splice plates at desired positions, ensuring both mechanical stability and electrical reliability.
4Productivity
If multiple fixed-length sections are joined, then extended busway runs are achieved, but replacement of a single section requires removal of adjacent sections
Solution Approach 1:
The busway joint is segmented into multiple independent components including movable splice plates, guide surfaces, and positioning members. This segmentation allows the joint to function as an independent, self-contained unit that can be installed and removed without affecting adjacent busway sections, thereby simplifying both installation and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism within the joint allows it to be configured for different installation lengths and then secured in place. This capability enables the joint to serve as a flexible, standalone component that can be replaced independently without requiring removal of adjacent sections, improving both installation efficiency and ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable busway joint for coupling two longitudinally aligned busway sections is disclosed. The adjustable joint has a first plurality of electrically conductive splice plates defining a splice plate adjustment slot, and a second plurality of electrically conductive splice plates defining an aperture, wherein each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates is disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice plate of the first plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint, and wherein the aperture is sized and disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first splice plate adjustment slot. The joint additionally has a first clamping member disposed through the splice plate adjustment slot and the aperture such that the first and said second pluralities of splice plates are operably movable with respect each other between a first compressed position and a second extended position.