Electrical Bus Assembly for Adjacent Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical enclosures are limited in configuring multiple circuit breakers due to the requirement of separate branch circuits and large electrical bus members, leading to inefficient use of space and reduced circuit breaker density.
Innovation Solution
A bus assembly that allows two circuit breakers to be positioned horizontally adjacent to each other within a single cell of an electrical enclosure using a single branch circuit, with interwoven electrical bus members and insulation to minimize space requirements and increase density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If circuit breakers are disposed side-by-side in separate cells with substantial width, then each circuit breaker has its own branch circuit, but the electrical enclosure requires an overall width that is much larger than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit breakers into a single cell by merging their electrical connections through a common branch circuit. The electrical bus assembly integrates multiple bus members to provide electrical connections to multiple circuit breakers horizontally adjacent within one cell, eliminating the need for separate cells and reducing overall enclosure width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal arrangement within the same cell by using electrical bus members that extend in lateral directions. This dimensional change allows circuit breakers to be positioned side-by-side in the horizontal plane rather than stacked vertically, optimizing space utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If circuit breakers are positioned in different planes (vertically stacked), then space is optimized, but the overall height increases and clearance requirements are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical stacking approach by arranging circuit breakers horizontally side-by-side within the same cell. Instead of extending the enclosure vertically to accommodate multiple breakers, the bus assembly extends laterally to provide connections, thereby reducing height requirements while maintaining compact footprint.
3Reliability
If traditional electrical bus members are used, then clearance requirements are met, but the size of electrical bus members occupies valuable space within the electrical enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical bus system into multiple separate bus members (first electrical bus member, second electrical bus member, third electrical bus member) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows for optimized routing and reduced overall volume compared to traditional single large bus members, while maintaining necessary clearance distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the electrical bus assembly by using multiple smaller bus members with optimized cross-sectional areas and lengths. The bus members are configured to extend in specific directions (first lateral direction, second lateral direction) to minimize the overall volume occupied while maintaining required clearance for reliability.
4Productivity
If a single branch circuit is used to supply power to multiple circuit breakers, then circuit breaker density increases, but the electrical bus assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical bus assembly is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple circuit breakers through a single branch circuit. The bus members are configured to provide electrical connections to multiple breakers simultaneously, making the assembly multi-functional and enabling high circuit breaker density without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical bus assembly for an electrical enclosure includes a single branch circuit with a plurality of branch circuit buses. First electrical bus members include first ends electrically connected to corresponding branch circuit buses, and second ends electrically connected to a first circuit breaker. Second electrical bus members include first ends electrically connected to corresponding branch circuit buses, and second ends electrically connected to a second circuit breaker. The single branch circuit provides electrical power to the first and second circuit breakers. The first electrical bus members extend in a first lateral direction with respect to the branch circuit buses, and the second electrical bus members extend in a second, opposite lateral direction. The electrical bus assembly enables the first circuit breaker to be disposed horizontally adjacent to the second circuit breaker within a corresponding one of the cells of the electrical enclosure.