Bolt-Free Busway Joint Pack Latch Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional busway joint packs require a central bolt that can loosen over time due to thermal cycling, leading to compromised connections and increased material usage due to central apertures in connector plates, necessitating a more efficient and thermally performant solution.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-free busway joint pack utilizing latch mechanisms on the sides to secure the connection without central fasteners, allowing for simpler installation and reduced material usage by eliminating central apertures in the connector plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central bolt is used to secure the busway joint pack, then the connection is initially secure, but the bolt loosens over time due to thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central bolt entirely from the busway joint pack design. Instead of using a bolt that passes through the center of connector plates, the invention uses latch mechanisms positioned at the sides of the joint pack to secure the connection. This extraction of the problematic central fastener eliminates the source of loosening while maintaining connection security through alternative lateral latching mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If central apertures are created in connector plates for the bolt, then the bolt can be installed, but the cross-sectional area is reduced requiring thicker plates to maintain current capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the central aperture from the connector plate design by removing the bolt entirely. Without a central hole required for bolt passage, the connector plates maintain their full cross-sectional area, allowing thinner plates to be used while still achieving the required current-carrying capacity. This eliminates the need to compensate for material removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the fastening function from the central dimension (where the bolt would pass through) to the lateral dimensions (sides of the joint pack). The latch mechanisms are positioned at the sides, allowing the connector plates to remain intact in their central area while still achieving secure fastening through lateral latching actions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a central bolt is used for fastening, then the joint pack can be assembled, but more material is required to compensate for the apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the central bolt and associated central apertures from the design, thereby eliminating the need to add extra material to compensate for the holes. The connector plates can be made thinner and lighter while maintaining their structural and electrical integrity, as no material needs to be removed for bolt passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional bolt-and-nut mechanical fastening system with a latch mechanism system. This substitution allows for secure assembly without requiring central apertures in the connector plates, thereby reducing the total material required and the resulting weight of the joint pack assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A busway joint pack includes a first latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position and a second latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position. The busway joint pack further includes a first connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface and a second connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface. The second connector plate is spaced from the first connector plate such that the first and the second connector plates are configured to engage phase conductors of busway sections in a clamping fashion when to the first latch mechanism is in the closed position and the second latch mechanism is in the closed position. The busway joint pack lacks a fastener positioned through the center of the first and the second connector plates, but is rather held together by the latch mechanisms.