Busbar Adapter With Sliding Contact Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapters for electrical installation devices on busbar systems are limited to contacting only one conductor at a time, requiring multiple adapters for different conductors, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A modular adapter system with a displaceable second contact element and latching mechanism, allowing the adapter to be adjusted to contact multiple conductors by sliding the second contact element along guide receptacles and engaging latching means at predetermined positions, enabling the adapter to be used with various busbar conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single contact element is used in the adapter, then the adapter structure is simple, but the adapter can only contact one conductor at a time requiring multiple adapters for different conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The second contact element is made displaceable along the guide receptacle instead of being fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different latching positions to contact different conductors. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single adapter to contact multiple conductors while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with a displaceable second contact element that can be positioned at multiple latching positions, allowing the same adapter to contact different conductors (L1, L2, L3, N, or PE). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed contact elements are provided for different conductors, then all conductors can be contacted, but the adapter requires multiple different adapter types
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed contact elements in different adapter types, the invention uses a single displaceable second contact element that can be moved to different latching positions. This dynamic design allows one universal adapter to replace multiple specialized adapters, making installation and selection easier.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second contact element is fixed in position, then the adapter structure is simple, but the adapter cannot be adjusted for different conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The second contact element is designed to be displaceable along the guide receptacle with multiple latching positions. This dynamic positioning mechanism, while adding some structural complexity through the guide receptacle and latching means, enables the adapter to adapt to different conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide receptacle is divided into multiple discrete latching positions along its length, allowing the second contact element to be positioned at specific locations for contacting different conductors. This segmentation provides precise positioning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter for receiving electrical installation devices and for mounting them on a busbar system, comprising a plastic housing which has an upper housing wall on which means for holding an electrical installation device are provided, feet for clamping attachment to the busbar system, a first contact element for connecting the electrical installation device, wherein the first contact element extends at least largely within the housing, and a second contact element electrically connected to the first contact element for contacting each of the busbars of a busbar system, characterized in that the housing has a guide recess along which the second contact element is slidably provided within the housing, and that the second contact element has a guide device and locking means.and that detent receptacles are provided at predetermined detent positions of the housing, with which the detent means of the second contact element can be engaged.