Plug-In Bridge Switch for Hot-Swappable Busbar Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems face challenges with high space requirements, high material and copper costs, power loss, and limited expandability due to the use of copper strips or bars, which also necessitate power interruptions for adjustments and lack effective connection and management of busbars.
Innovation Solution
A bridge switch that connects and controls conductivity between two busbars, allowing for quick and safe connections without power interruption, featuring plug-in terminals and a switch component with a control unit for conductivity management, including circuit breaker functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If copper strips or copper bars are used for power distribution, then power transmission is achieved, but space requirements increase due to insulation needs in high-voltage applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (busbar connection system with bridge switch) that allows compact arrangement of conductors while maintaining electrical isolation. The bridge switch acts as a mediator that enables controlled connection between busbars without requiring extensive air insulation spacing, thus reducing placement space while maintaining power transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical arrangement parameters of the busbar system by introducing a vertical stacking configuration with bridge switches, transforming the traditional horizontal spread-out copper bar arrangement into a compact three-dimensional structure that reduces footprint space while maintaining electrical performance.
2Reliability
If copper strips or copper bars are used for power distribution, then power transmission is achieved, but the power transmission path elongates, increasing copper cost and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal layout of copper bars to a three-dimensional vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the busbar system achieves shorter horizontal transmission paths while maintaining electrical isolation, thereby reducing both copper material requirements and power loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If copper strips or copper bars are used for power distribution, then connections are established, but expandability and adjustability are poor, requiring power shutdown for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into modular segments (individual busbars connected via bridge switches), allowing independent installation, removal, and reconfiguration of components. This segmentation enables system expansion and adjustment without requiring shutdown of the entire power distribution system, maintaining continuous power supply to operational components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the power distribution system through bridge switches that can be opened or closed as needed. This allows the system to adapt its configuration dynamically - adding or removing busbars and adjusting connection paths without permanent fixed installations, enabling flexible expansion while maintaining operational continuity.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple sets of busbars are directly connected, then space requirements are reduced, but connection and management between busbars becomes problematic for subsequent extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the bridge switch as a universal component that performs multiple functions: electrical connection, isolation, protection, and enabling of hot-swapping operations. This multi-functional design simplifies connection management across multiple busbars, as the same bridge switch component handles all these tasks consistently, making system extension and management straightforward despite compact spatial arrangement.
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
Enables efficient power transmission with reduced space requirements, lower costs, and enhanced expandability, while ensuring safety through hot swapping and circuit protection.
Implementation Method 1
The switch component includes a switch unit configured to control electrical conductivity between the first side and the second side
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a bridge switch. The bridge switch includes a first plug terminal, a second plug terminal and a switch component. The first plug terminal is configured to insert into a first busbar. The second plug terminal is configured to insert into a second busbar. The switch component has a first side electrically coupled to the first plug terminal, and a second side electrically coupled to the second plug terminal. Wherein the switch component includes a switch unit configured to control electrical conductivity between the first side and the second side.