Equipotential Bonding Bar Clamping for Tool-Free Conductor Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipotential bonding systems require high assembly effort to attach conductors due to the use of screw clamp connections, which necessitate tools for attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

An equipotential bonding system featuring a clamping unit that can be moved between a clamping and release position without tools, allowing easy mechanical fixation and electrical connection of conductors to the equipotential bonding bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw clamp connections are used to mechanically fasten conductors to the equipotential bonding bar, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but high assembly effort and tool requirement are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping unit incorporates a movable clamping device that can transition between a clamping position (for secure attachment) and a release position (for easy detachment). This dynamic mechanism allows the same component to provide both strong mechanical fastening during installation and easy release during maintenance, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed to automatically clamp the conductor when in the clamping position, providing self-securing functionality. The movable clamping mechanism engages with the conductor and equipotential bonding bar without requiring external tools, allowing the system to perform its own fastening operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If screw clamp connections are used to attach conductors, then secure mechanical fastening is achieved, but tool requirement and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical fastening strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw clamp connection and integrates it into a self-contained clamping unit. This unit combines the mechanical fastening mechanism with the electrical connection interface, eliminating the need for separate screws and tools while maintaining fastening strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping unit serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical fastening, ensures electrical connection, and enables easy attachment and detachment. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the system reduces assembly complexity while maintaining mechanical strength

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

3Ease of operation

If traditional screw clamp connections are used, then conductor attachment is achieved, but flexibility in positioning and detachment ease are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable clamping device enables dynamic repositioning of the conductor along the equipotential bonding bar. The clamping unit can be easily detached and reattached at different positions, providing positioning flexibility while maintaining secure fastening at each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The equipotential bonding system is divided into modular segments with individual clamping units that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of conductors at various locations along the bonding bar while maintaining simple attachment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system simplifies the attachment process by enabling tool-free attachment and detachment of conductors, providing flexibility in positioning and accommodating various conductor sizes and types, while ensuring secure electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

In the clamping position, the clamping unit applies a clamping force to the conductor, thereby mechanically fixing and holding the conductor on the equipotential bonding system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive equipotential bonding bar and at least one clamping unit arranged on the equipotential bonding bar and electrically connected to the equipotential bonding bar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4060817B1Potential balancing system and modular system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 DEHN SOHNE GMBH CO KG
  • EP4060817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4060817B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4060817B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An equipotential bonding system (12) 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.