Busbar Adapter With Variable Connection Bar Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar adapters are complex to assemble, limit the use of pre-curved copper bars, and only allow one connection bar per phase, which restricts their application in larger switching devices and energy distribution systems.

Innovation Solution

A busbar adapter with a lower adapter part featuring recesses for variable connection bars that can be electrically contacted with switching devices, allowing for multiple connection bars per phase, stacked or arranged side by side, and a connection device that combines currents, simplifying assembly and providing flexibility in connection options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-curved copper bars are used in existing busbar adapters, then assembly is simplified, but the adapter is limited to specific connection configurations and cannot accommodate variable connection bar arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into an upper adapter part and a lower adapter part that can be separated. The lower adapter part contains recesses for receiving connection bars in various arrangements, while the upper part provides mounting for switching devices. This segmentation allows the lower part to accommodate different connection bar configurations without limiting the overall adapter functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower adapter part is designed with multiple recesses that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of connection bars (one or more per phase, stacked or side by side). This universal design allows the same adapter structure to serve multiple connection configurations, making it adaptable to various switching device requirements while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If only one connection bar per phase is provided in existing adapters, then the structure is simplified, but the adapter cannot support larger switching devices requiring multiple connection bars per phase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter structure is made dynamic and adjustable by providing recesses that can accommodate variable numbers of connection bars per phase. The design allows adaptation from one connection bar to multiple connection bars per phase based on the specific application requirements, enabling the same adapter to serve both simple and complex switching device configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter utilizes three-dimensional space by allowing connection bars to be arranged both side by side and stacked vertically within the recesses. This multi-dimensional arrangement capability enables multiple connection bars per phase without significantly increasing the adapter's footprint, thus maintaining structural simplicity while expanding application range to larger switching devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection bars are stacked or arranged side by side, then application range is expanded, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection bar arrangement optionsVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower adapter part is pre-formed with recesses that are specifically designed to receive and properly position multiple connection bars in various arrangements (stacked or side by side). This preliminary structuring of the recesses eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures, as the connection bars can be directly inserted into the pre-configured recesses without requiring precise manual positioning or additional alignment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of moving object

If connection bars are arranged in compact stacked configurations, then space utilization is improved, but cooling and air circulation are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidheating and cooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter design incorporates localized features within the recesses, such as web supports with gaps or openings, that provide targeted cooling channels and air circulation paths specifically at the connection bar locations. These local quality enhancements allow compact stacked arrangements of connection bars while maintaining adequate thermal management through dedicated cooling pathways integrated into the recess structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9531146B2Busbar adapter and system consisting of busbars and a busbar adapter

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 WOHNER GMBH & CO KG ELEKTROTECHNISCHE SYST

AI summary

Busbar adapter comprising a lower adapter part, the lower adapter part comprising a base having recesses for receiving connection bars which can be electrically contacted with busbars, the number of connection bars per phase which can be received in the recesses of the lower adapter part being variable, and the connection bars being electrically connectable to at least one electrical device, which can be fastened to an upper adapter part of the busbar adapter.