Busbar Adapter System With Spring Clamp Lever Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapter systems for electrical busbar systems are complex to handle and do not ensure secure consumer connections while meeting high safety requirements, particularly in 3-phase systems.

Innovation Solution

An adapter system with a spring clamp structure and lever switch that securely connects multi-pole connectors, allowing for easy insertion and removal of poles, and an adapter connection module with a main switch and actuating lever that ensures safe operation by preventing accidental detachment and switching arcs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual pole connections are used in known systems, then each line can be connected separately, but the handling becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual pole connections into a single multi-pole connector that can be inserted and connected all at once. The adapter housing receives the entire multi-pole connector simultaneously, eliminating the need to connect each line separately, thus simplifying handling and reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter system is designed to handle multiple poles universally through a single multi-pole connector interface. The spring clamp structure and lever switch mechanism provide a universal connection method that works for all poles simultaneously, rather than requiring separate connection procedures for each line.

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

2Reliability

If screw, soldered or welded connections are used, then secure connections are achieved, but the operation becomes complex and safety requirements are difficult to meet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional screw, soldered, or welded mechanical connections with a spring clamp-based mechanical system actuated by a lever switch. This new mechanism achieves secure electrical contact through spring force and geometric arrangement without requiring complex tools or procedures, thus maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring clamp structure automatically maintains secure contact through its inherent spring force, and the geometric arrangement self-locks the poles in place. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to activate the connection, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations like tightening screws or applying solder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If poles can be easily removed for maintenance, then convenience is improved, but accidental detachment during operation becomes a safety hazard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance convenienceVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the spring clamp provides continuous holding force during normal operation, and the lever switch enables controlled release when needed. The system transitions between locked and released states through a deliberate user action, ensuring stability during operation while maintaining ease of removal for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric arrangement of the spring clamp structure is designed to prevent accidental detachment by requiring a specific lever switch action to release the poles. This preliminary design feature counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental removal by making the release mechanism dependent on a deliberate user action rather than allowing passive detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If a tool is needed to actuate the lever switch, then accidental actuation is prevented, but the operation becomes less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental preventionVSAvoidactuation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different aspects of the actuation mechanism. The lever switch is designed with local features that require tool actuation for the main switching action (preventing accidental operation), while maintaining accessibility for the tool and providing clear visual indicators. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between safety and convenience.

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

The adapter system simplifies user operation, ensures secure connections, and maintains high safety standards by allowing single-element actuation for connection and disconnection, preventing accidental detachment and switching arcs.

Implementation Method 1

The spring clip structure and spring retainer are configured such that the spring clip structure exerts a spring force that biases the lever switch into an on position and applies a force to all inserted poles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2975708B1Adapter system with an adapter for bus bars and an adapter connection module
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 KLAUS BRUCHMANN
  • EP2975708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2975708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2975708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a busbar adapter system comprising a busbar adapter and an adapter connection module, which can be connected to each other to provide an operating position for the adapter system. The busbar adapter includes contact connections, a housing, and a cable connection device; the adapter connection module comprises a housing, an interruptible bridge circuit, a main switch, and an actuating lever for actuating a lever switch of the busbar adapter.