Equipotential Bonding Bar With Tool-Free Conductor Clamping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipotential bonding systems for lightning protection require significant assembly effort due to the need for screw terminal connections, which necessitate tools for attachment and detachment of conductors to the potential equalization rail.

Innovation Solution

A potential equalization system featuring a conductive rail with integrated clamping units that can be moved between clamping and release positions without tools, allowing for tool-free mechanical fixation and electrical connection of conductors, thereby simplifying the attachment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw terminals are used to attach conductors to the equipotential bonding bar, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but high assembly effort and tool requirement result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw terminal mechanical fastening system with a clamping unit that uses a movable clamping device. Instead of requiring screws and wrenches, the clamping unit employs a clamping element that can be moved between a release position and a clamping position to secure conductors. This substitution of the mechanical fastening mechanism eliminates the need for tools while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed to be movable between two distinct positions: a release position where the conductor can be freely inserted or removed, and a clamping position where the conductor is securely held. This dynamic capability allows the same component to facilitate both easy assembly and reliable connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If screw terminals are used to attach conductors, then secure mechanical fixation is achieved, but tool requirement and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical fixation strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the multi-step screw fastening process with a single-action clamping mechanism. The clamping element, when moved to the clamping position, provides secure mechanical fixation equivalent to or exceeding screw terminals, but without requiring wrenches or multiple assembly steps. This reduces assembly time significantly while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping unit is designed to be self-contained, with the clamping element integrated directly into the equipotential bonding bar structure. The system serves itself by using the movable clamping device to both indicate and execute the fastening action, eliminating the need for external tools and reducing assembly time to a simple manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional screw fastening is used, then conductor attachment is achieved, but operator skill and tool availability are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidoperator independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the tool-dependent screw fastening system with a tool-free clamping mechanism. The clamping element can be actuated by hand without requiring wrenches or other tools, making the installation process accessible to operators regardless of their skill level or access to specialized tools. This enhances both installation simplicity and operator independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping unit design integrates multiple functions into a single component: the movable clamping element serves as both the fastening mechanism and the indicator of connection status. This universal design eliminates the need for separate tools and simplifies the installation process, making it adaptable to various operators and installation scenarios without requiring specialized skills or tool availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4471991A1Potential balancing system and modular system

Publication Date: 2024.12.04 DEHN SOHNE GMBH CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

An equipotential bonding system (12) for protection against electric shocks and for functional equipotential bonding in the area of lightning protection has an electrically conductive equipotential bonding bar (16) and at least one clamping unit (18) arranged on the equipotential bonding bar (16) and electrically connected to it. The clamping unit (18) is designed to electrically connect a conductor (28) to the equipotential bonding bar (16) and has a clamping device (36) that is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The conductor can be fixed to the clamping unit (18) in the clamping position without tools and electrically connected to it. Furthermore, a modular system (10) with such an equipotential bonding system (12) is shown. The clamping unit (18) is attached directly to the equipotential bonding bar (16).The equipotential bonding bar (16) has several fastening openings (20) for fastening at least one cable lug connection (14) and/or one contact system (70) for a flat conductor (71) or a round conductor (28), which are distributed in the longitudinal direction (L) along the equipotential bonding bar (16).