Bus Bar Connection Device with Single Sliding Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bus bar connection devices for switchgear require multiple parts for sliding surfaces, leading to increased complexity and component count, which complicates the connection process and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A bus bar connection device with a single sliding surface, utilizing a socket conductor, plug conductor, and sliding contacts, along with a cylindrical adapter, to reduce the number of constituent parts and enhance connection efficiency by minimizing contact resistance and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sliding surfaces are used for each insulation bushing, then the connection is more stable, but the number of parts increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sliding surfaces into a single integrated sliding surface structure. Instead of providing separate sliding surfaces for each insulation bushing, the invention creates one continuous sliding surface that accommodates both bushings, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining connection stability through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sliding surface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it provides sliding contact for both insulation bushings and ensures stable electrical connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sliding surfaces while maintaining reliability.

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

2Reliability

If multiple parts are used to form sliding surfaces, then the connection is more reliable, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple sliding surface components into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. The single sliding surface can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate parts, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single sliding surface is used, then the number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified, but contact resistance may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding surface is designed with dynamic contact characteristics that ensure optimal electrical conductivity. The structure allows for self-adjusting contact pressure and maintains reliable sliding contact throughout operation, preventing increased contact resistance despite the reduced number of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3073592B1Bus connection device and switchgear using same
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3073592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073592B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3073592B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a switchgear with a bus bar connection device having reduced constituent parts. The bus bar connection device has a first bushing (9) with an internal stem conductor (12) whose end is a first connection surface (12a) stuck out of a nose (9a) of the bushing. The bus bar connection device has a second bushing (10) with an internal stem conductor (16) whose end is a second connection surface (16a) stuck out of a nose (10a) of the bushing. The first connection surface (12a) of the first bushing (9) is placed opposite the second connection surface (16a of the second bushing (10), the axis of the first bushing being identical to the axis of the second bushing. The bus bar connection device has a connection element (8a) electrically connecting the first connection surface (12a) with the second connection surface (16a. The bus bar connection device has a cylindrical insulation adapter 10 surrounding the nose (9a) of the first bushing (9), the nose (10a) of the second bushing (10), and the connection element (8a) as one.