Busbar Bushing Splice Structure for Compact Switch Cabinet Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-insulated switch devices face challenges in maintaining the integrity of switch cabinets during maintenance, with complex installation processes and space occupation issues due to connection conductor bushings, and uneven electric fields caused by their design.

Innovation Solution

A busbar connection device with reserved axial gaps in busbar bushings allows for easy installation and removal of connection conductors, utilizing a one-piece structure and integral molding to simplify the process and reduce space occupation, while ensuring uniform electric fields through a pressing member and flexible conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connection conductor bushing is firmly mounted between two switch cabinets to ensure electrical connection and insulation, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase due to requiring multiple accessories for mounting and fixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductor bushing integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides electrical insulation between cabinets, houses the connection conductor, and includes built-in clamping structures that eliminate the need for separate mounting accessories. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection conductor is nested within the connection conductor bushing, which itself is nested within the busbar bushing structure. This nested arrangement allows the connection conductor to be securely held without requiring external clamps or fasteners, thereby improving reliability while simplifying the overall device structure and installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a connection conductor bushing is firmly mounted between two switch cabinets to ensure stable electrical connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the installation time increases due to the complicated installation process requiring multiple accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductor bushing combines insulation, conduction, and clamping functions into one integrated component, eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories. This reduces the number of installation steps and time required while maintaining connection stability through the built-in clamping structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection conductor bushing is pre-assembled with the connection conductor and clamping structures before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation by simply positioning the pre-assembled unit between the cabinets, reducing installation time while ensuring stable connection from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the connection conductor bushing is firmly compressed in the direction of the busbar to secure the connection, then the connection firmness is improved, but the electric field uniformity deteriorates due to the compressed shape causing uneven electric field distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection firmnessVSAvoidelectric field uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductor bushing features locally optimized structures: the clamping portion has a compressed shape to secure the connection firmly, while the main body maintains a uniform cylindrical shape to ensure even electric field distribution. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing firmness where needed without compromising electric field uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection conductor bushing is made of flexible insulating material that can be elastically compressed during installation to secure the connection, then returns to its original uniform shape to maintain electric field uniformity. This flexibility allows the structure to adapt to connection requirements while preserving electric field characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If a connection conductor bushing is used to surround and protect the connection conductor and busbars, then the insulation and protection are improved, but the space occupation increases causing the switch cabinet size to become larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation protectionVSAvoidcabinet volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductor is nested within the connection conductor bushing, which is in turn nested within the busbar bushing structure. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of insulation and protection while minimizing the overall space occupied, as each component utilizes the space efficiently without requiring separate external housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection conductor bushing and busbar bushing are merged into an integrated structure that provides both connection and insulation functions in a single compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective housings, maintaining reliable insulation while reducing the overall volume required in the switch cabinet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3726672B1Busbar connection apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3726672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3726672B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3726672B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are a busbar connection apparatus, a busbar bushing, and a manufacturing method therefor. The busbar connection apparatus (100, 300) comprises: a first busbar bushing (101, 301) suitable for surrounding at least one part of a first busbar (103, 303) in a sealing manner; a second busbar bushing (102, 302) suitable for surrounding at least one part of a second busbar (104, 304) in a sealing manner; a connection conductor (105, 305) located between the first busbar bushing and the second busbar bushing, and electrically connecting the first busbar and the second busbar; and a connection conductor bushing (106, 306) suitable for surrounding the connection conductor in a sealing manner. At least the first busbar bushing comprises: a first portion suitable for surrounding at least one part of the first busbar in a sealing manner; and a second portion connected to the first portion and forming, together with the first portion, a gap extending in an axial direction of the first busbar, with the gap being suitable for accommodating the connection conductor bushing. The busbar connection apparatus provides a splicing method for switch cabinets, and has the advantages of saving space, a simple structure, convenient installation, and providing a uniform electric field at each connection part.