Insulated Bus Bar Assembly for Multi-Row Rack Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In equipment racks, the limited width constraint often requires multiple rows of power supplies to meet power demands, which can be challenging due to the fixed size of power supplies and the need for efficient power distribution without exceeding the available space.
Innovation Solution
A bus bar assembly with a pair of bus bars and insulation layers, electrically and mechanically coupled to printed circuit boards, allows for the efficient combination and distribution of power from multiple power supply units across multiple rows, overcoming the width limitations by forming a unitary assembly that simplifies installation and reduces electrical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple rows of power supplies are installed to meet power demands, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bus bars (first bus bar, second bus bar, third bus bar, fourth bus bar) into a single integrated bus bar assembly that spans multiple rows of power supplies. This merging approach allows the assembly to collect power from multiple rows simultaneously while presenting a unified connection interface, thereby improving power distribution capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar assembly serves multiple functions: it collects power from multiple rows of power supplies, provides electrical connection to the power distribution system, and maintains structural organization across different rows. The single assembly performs what would otherwise require multiple separate bus bar installations, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing power distribution capability.
2Power
If multiple rows of power supplies are installed to meet power demands, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar assembly is pre-configured as a complete unit with all necessary connections and insulation layers before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the entire multi-row power collection function to be installed as a single assembly rather than requiring sequential installation of multiple separate bus bars, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining the improved power distribution capability.
3Power
If multiple rows of power supplies are installed to meet power demands, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the electrical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple bus bars into a single integrated assembly with direct electrical connections between the bus bars and the power distribution system, the patent reduces the number of connection points and interface resistances. This consolidation minimizes electrical losses that would occur with multiple separate connections, while still enabling power collection from multiple rows to improve overall power distribution capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bus bar assembly comprises a first bus bar and a second bus bar. Each bus bar comprises a bridge flange having a first side and a second side, top and bottom flanges extending from the first side of the bridge flange, and an interface flange extending from the second side of the bridge flange. The bus bar assembly further comprises a first insulation layer positioned between the top flanges of the first and second bus bars and a second insulation layer positioned between the bottom flanges of the first and second bus bars. Each of the top and bottom flanges comprises a plurality of mating devices coupled thereto. The top flanges of the first and second bus bars and the first insulation layer are fixedly joined together. The bottom flanges of the first and second bus bars and the second insulation layer are fixedly joined together.