Bus Bar Housing Latch Assembly for Tool-Free Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus bar systems are complex to handle during initial assembly and subsequent modifications, such as extension or replacement of bus bars, particularly for a single person, due to the requirement of precise alignment and tool-assisted screwing.
Innovation Solution
The bus bar system incorporates a slider with adjustable latching pawls that can be locked into plug-in receptacles on the lower part without tools, allowing for tool-free assembly and extension, with optional screw connections for added security, and features hook elements for pre-fixing bus bars to prevent falling, facilitating easier handling and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper part and lower part are screwed together with multiple screws to secure the bus bars, then the mechanical strength and stability of the connection is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into modular components: the lower part with recesses, the upper part with protrusions, and the slider with latching pawls. This segmentation allows the complex screwing operation to be replaced by simpler discrete steps of engagement and latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider with latching pawls provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality. When the upper part is placed on the lower part, the protrusions automatically engage with the recesses, and the latching pawls automatically lock into place, eliminating the need for manual alignment and tool-assisted screwing.
2Reliability
If precise alignment of the upper part and lower part is required for screwing, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the lower part and protrusions in the upper part are pre-configured to guide automatic alignment. Before the screwing operation, the components are designed with built-in alignment features that automatically position the upper part correctly relative to the lower part when brought together.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary mechanism between the upper and lower parts. It provides the latching action that secures the connection without requiring direct manual intervention for alignment, mediating the connection process in a way that simplifies operation while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If the bus bar system is designed for secure fixing with multiple screws, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the time required for assembly and modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static screw-based design to a dynamic latching mechanism. The slider can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, enabling quick assembly and disassembly without the time-consuming process of repeatedly screwing and unscrewing multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching pawls are pre-positioned on the slider, and the recesses are pre-positioned on the lower part. This preliminary configuration allows the components to automatically engage and lock in the correct positions during assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment and screwing operations.
4Ease of operation
If tool-free assembly is implemented using latching mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple functions into the slider component: it provides the latching action for secure connection, the alignment guidance through its geometry, and the release mechanism through its movable nature. This consolidation maintains connection strength while simplifying operation to a single tool-free action.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses composite structural design combining the lower part with recesses, the upper part with protrusions, and the slider with latching pawls. This composite approach distributes mechanical loads across multiple contact points and structural elements, maintaining connection strength despite the simplified latching mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A bus bar system having at least one bus bar which is accommodated in a contact-protection housing in a contact-protection manner and in an accessible manner via contacting passages for electrical devices and/or device adapters, the contact-protection housing having a lower part and an upper part which is detachably fixed on the lower part and between which the at least one bus bar is held, wherein the upper part has, on its side facing the lower part, a plurality of plug-in receptacles extending from the latter into the lower part, and the lower part has at least one slide with at least one latching pawl which can be adjusted between a locking position, in which the at least one latching pawl engages in the plug-in receptacle, and a release position, in which the at least one latching pawl is positioned in front of the plug-in receptacle. A corresponding method is further described.