Busbar Adapter With Integrated Rogowski Coil Current Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar adapters for multi-phase systems lack user-friendliness and integrated current measurement capabilities, requiring separate current measuring devices on individual electrical devices and complicating system monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A busbar adapter with a housing featuring an upper and lower cover, including three contact devices for each phase, integrated Rogowski coils for current measurement, and an electronic evaluation unit, allowing central current measurement and flexible device connection without additional current measuring devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate current measuring devices are installed on individual electrical devices, then current measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple current measuring devices into a single integrated unit housed within the busbar adapter. The housing contains all necessary measuring components, allowing current measurement for multiple phases without requiring separate devices on each electrical device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar adapter is designed as a universal device that provides both electrical connection functionality and current measurement capability in one unit. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate current measuring devices, simplifying the system while achieving comprehensive current monitoring across all phases

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

2Ease of operation

If current measuring devices are integrated into the busbar adapter, then system monitoring is simplified, but housing space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem monitoringVSAvoidhousing space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The current measuring devices are nested within the existing housing structure of the busbar adapter. The measuring devices are arranged in a space-efficient manner inside the housing, utilizing available internal space without requiring a significant increase in the overall external dimensions of the adapter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges the current measuring devices in a vertical orientation within the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than only horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization allows efficient packing of measuring components within the housing volume without substantially increasing the adapter's footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If Rogowski coils are arranged vertically in the housing, then current measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Rogowski coils are pre-assembled in their final vertical orientation during the manufacturing process, rather than being installed in a different orientation and then repositioned. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the manufacturing workflow by eliminating complex repositioning steps while ensuring the coils are correctly oriented for optimal current measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with specific local features such as recesses, mounting structures, or guiding elements in the areas where Rogowski coils are installed. These localized structural adaptations facilitate the vertical arrangement of the coils during manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the specialized orientation requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 centralized current measurement, improved user-friendliness, and cost-effective production by integrating current measuring devices within the adapter, reducing the need for separate measuring devices and enhancing system monitoring capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the current measuring device consists of a Rogowski coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3891856B1Busbar adapter and lower deck element for a busbar adapter
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 KLAUS BRUCHMANN
  • EP3891856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3891856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3891856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a busbar adapter for connection to a polyphase busbar system, wherein the busbar adapter comprises a top covering element and a bottom covering element and also contact apparatuses and contact lines. The busbar adapter further comprises a current measuring apparatus which is designed such that current measurement for each phase of the busbar adapter can be performed in the busbar adapter.