Busbar Bridge Switch for Hot-Swappable Power Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution systems face challenges with high space requirements, high material costs, power loss, and limited expandability due to the use of copper strips or bars, which also necessitate power interruptions for adjustments and lack effective connection and management of multiple busbars.

Innovation Solution

A bridge switch that connects and controls conductivity between two busbars, featuring plug terminals and a switch component with a control unit, allowing for safe and quick connections without power interruption, and serving as a circuit breaker for enhanced safety and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper strips or copper bars are used for power distribution, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but space requirements increase and material costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidplacement space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from copper strip/bar connections to busbar connections with bridge switches, fundamentally changing the connection parameter from flexible but space-consuming copper joints to rigid, space-efficient busbar interfaces. This parameter change enables compact power distribution while maintaining reliability through standardized connection geometries and controlled impedance paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If copper strips or copper bars are used for power distribution, then power transmission is achieved, but power loss increases and heat generation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bending and stretching of copper strips with a standardized busbar-bridge switch system. This substitution eliminates the need for custom copper fabrication, reduces contact resistance through precision-machined connection surfaces, and minimizes power loss through optimized current paths with controlled impedance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If copper strips or copper bars are processed and set up for connections, then customized power transmission paths are created, but expandability and adjustability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized connection capabilityVSAvoidexpandability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power distribution system into modular busbar units connected by bridge switches. Each busbar can be independently configured and connected to others through standardized switch interfaces, enabling easy expansion and reconfiguration without custom processing. This modular segmentation allows flexible system design while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If multiple sets of busbars are directly connected, then space and material costs are reduced, but connection control and circuit protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement spaceVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces bridge switches as intermediary devices between multiple busbars. These switches provide controlled connection points that enable space-efficient busbar arrangements while maintaining connection management capability through standardized switching interfaces. The bridge switches act as mediators that simplify the complexity of managing multiple busbar connections through uniform control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Object-affected harmful factors

If power is cut off for construction expansion or maintenance, then worker safety is ensured, but productivity and production capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidproduction capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates bridge switches with built-in isolation capabilities that allow preliminary safety preparation before maintenance or expansion. The switches can be opened to create electrically isolated zones, ensuring worker safety without requiring complete system shutdown. This preliminary safety action enables selective maintenance of individual busbar segments while other parts remain operational, maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4708349A1Bridge switch

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 TAIWAN BUSWAY CO LTD

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

The present invention provides a bridge switch. The bridge switch includes a first plug terminal, a second plug terminal and a switch component. The first plug terminal is configured to insert into a first busbar. The second plug terminal is configured to insert into a second busbar. The switch component has a first side electrically coupled to the first plug terminal, and a second side electrically coupled to the second plug terminal. Wherein the switch component includes a switch unit configured to control electrical conductivity between the first side and the second side.