Modular Bus Bar Extender With Offset Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately estimating and adapting the number of connections to a bus bar as system and power requirements change is challenging in electrical power distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A bus bar extender apparatus comprising multiple extension pieces with vertically-oriented main axes and offset surfaces, featuring receiving portions for establishing electrical connections, allows for flexible and secure extension of bus bar length and connections to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bus bar length is extended to accommodate additional connections, then the number of connections increases, but the complexity of installation and system configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar system is divided into modular segments (original bus bar and extension pieces) that can be independently installed and connected. Each extension piece is a self-contained module with standardized connection points, allowing the system to be built incrementally without complex whole-system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension pieces are designed with universal mounting features and standardized electrical connections that work with the original bus bar and can accommodate various connection types. The receiving portions and offset surfaces provide multi-functional attachment capabilities for different installation scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bus bar is extended to meet changing power requirements, then system adaptability improves, but the time and cost of new installations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension pieces are pre-manufactured with all necessary mounting features, electrical connections, and structural elements already in place. The receiving portions and offset surfaces are pre-configured during manufacturing, so no complex field preparation or customization is needed during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic,可扩展 structure. Extension pieces can be added or removed based on changing power requirements, allowing the system to adapt over time without complete reinstallation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bus bar length is increased to provide more connection points, then connection capacity increases, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension pieces utilize vertical offset surfaces and multi-level receiving portions to create connection points in three-dimensional space rather than simply extending linearly. This allows multiple connections to be achieved with minimal horizontal or vertical space consumption by stacking connections in different spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension pieces are designed to attach to and extend from the original bus bar in a nested configuration. The compact structure of each extension piece allows it to integrate closely with the existing bus bar, minimizing the overall space envelope required for the extended system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extending a bus bar is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first extension piece and a second extension piece. The first extension piece may have multiple surfaces. A first surface may have a first group of receiving portions, a second may have a second group of receiving portions, and a third surface may have a curvature that offsets the third surface from the second surface. The second extension piece may also have multiple surfaces. The second extension piece may have a first surface that includes a first group of receiving portions, a second surface that includes a second group of receiving portions, and a third surface that is substantially parallel to the second surface and includes a third group of receiving portions. When connected to a bus bar, the first extension piece and the second extension piece may be substantially adjacent to one another.