Bus Plug Remote Racking Mechanism for Energized Busway Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote racking devices are not compatible with bus plugs and busways, posing a risk of electrocution or electric shock when connecting or disconnecting a bus plug relative to an active busway, as they either require de-energizing the busway or do not provide adequate safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A remote racking device with a mechanical assembly that includes a lead screw, moving nut, and pin mechanism, allowing for the remote rotation of the bus plug relative to the busway, enabling safe connection and disconnection while maintaining the busway's energized state, thus reducing the risk of electrocution or electric shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the busway is de-energized before connecting or disconnecting a bus plug, then the risk of electrocution or electric shock is eliminated, but the electronic devices, electrical devices, and electromechanical devices receiving electric power from the busway are electrically deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote racking device as an intermediary mechanism that enables the bus plug to be connected or disconnected from the busway remotely, without requiring the busway to be de-energized. The device includes a remote operation interface and a mechanical racking mechanism that physically moves the bus plug into or out of engagement with the busway contacts, allowing operators to perform racking operations from a safe distance while maintaining power to the busway and connected devices.
2Ease of operation
If a remote device is used to connect or disconnect the bus plug, then the operator is placed outside the arc flash boundary, but existing remote devices are not compatible with bus plugs and busways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the remote racking device with universal compatibility features that enable it to work with standard bus plug and busway configurations. The device incorporates standardized mechanical interfaces, alignment mechanisms, and engagement features that match common busway systems, allowing a single remote device design to serve multiple bus plug applications without requiring custom modifications for each specific busway type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient connection and disconnection of bus plugs from energized busways, reducing downtime and operational risks by allowing operators to perform racking operations from a safe distance, maintaining the busway's energized state and ensuring proper alignment and mechanical advantage.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw having a threaded shaft rotatably mounted to the frame, and a moving nut having a threaded aperture. The threaded shaft of the lead screw threadingly engages the threaded aperture of the moving nut.
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical assembly rotatably mounting the bus plug relative to the busway, and a remote racking device. The remote racking device is oriented to rotate the bus plug relative to the busway about a rotation axis defined by the mechanical assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system includes a busway and a bus plug. A mechanical assembly rotatably mounts the bus plug relative to the busway. The system includes a remote racking device including a mechanism having a first mechanical component coupled to the bus plug and a second mechanical component coupled to the busway. The remote racking device rotates the bus plug relative to the busway about a rotation axis defined by the mechanical assembly based on mechanical interaction of the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component. Methods of connecting and disconnecting a bus plug relative to a busway with a remote racking device are also provided.