Busbar Connection Device With Insulating Housing And Spring Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for conductors and busbars lack simplicity, reliability, and safety in electrical connections, particularly in distributing devices, and do not efficiently accommodate conductors of varying sizes and busbar configurations.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring an insulating material housing with a conductor terminal and busbar terminal, a reinforcement element, and a design allowing easy plugging and fixing to busbars and distribution device components, ensuring electrical insulation and secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional screw clamp connection elements are used to connect conductors to busbars, then the electrical connection is established, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separate functional components: an insulating housing that can be pre-assembled, and a separate clamping mechanism with clamping arms. This segmentation allows the insulating housing to be prepared in advance while the clamping action is simplified and can be performed quickly during installation, reducing overall installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism incorporates spring elements that automatically engage and secure the conductor to the busbar when the clamping arms are positioned. The spring force provides self-locking functionality, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex adjustment mechanisms during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If connection devices are designed for specific conductor sizes, then the connection is secure, but the device lacks adaptability to different conductor cross-sections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to conductor sizesVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping arms are designed with dynamic adjustment capability through hinge connections and spring elements. This allows the clamping mechanism to adapt its geometry and clamping force to accommodate different conductor cross-sections and shapes while maintaining secure electrical contact. The spring force automatically adjusts to the specific conductor size being connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can handle various conductor types and sizes through a single device configuration. The insulating housing and busbar connection interface remain consistent while the clamping arms adapt to different conductors, making the device multi-functional without compromising connection reliability for any specific conductor type.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductors are exposed during connection, then the electrical connection is direct, but installers are exposed to electrical shock hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical shock protectionVSAvoidinstallation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating housing serves as an intermediary component between the installer and the live electrical components. The housing completely encloses the conductor connection area, allowing installers to work safely without direct exposure to exposed conductors or busbars, while still enabling proper electrical connection through designated access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating housing is pre-assembled and configured before the actual connection operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that all insulation and safety features are in place before the installer begins working with live conductors, maximizing protection against electrical shock hazards during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If multiple separate connection devices are used for different functions, then each function is optimized, but the overall system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidfunctional versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated connection device: the insulating housing, the clamping mechanism with clamping arms, the spring elements, and the busbar connection interface are all combined in one assembly. This integration maintains the specialized functionality of each component while eliminating the need for multiple separate devices, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3273543B1Connection device for connecting a conductor to a busbar
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3273543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3273543B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3273543B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device (10) comprising at least one connection element (20) for connecting a conductor (300) to a busbar (200) and an insulating housing (40) surrounding the connection element (20). The connection element (20) has a conductor terminal (22) and a busbar terminal (24) electrically connected to the conductor terminal (22). The connection device (10) can be attached to at least one busbar (200) by a movement in an insertion direction (A) that runs approximately parallel to an extension direction (E). The insulating housing (40) has a insertion groove (42) suitable for receiving a section (202) of the busbar (200). The busbar terminal (24) has at least one leg (26) that projects into the insertion groove (42) and is suitable for coming into contact with the section (202).The connection device is designed to be fixed to a terminal strip (100) and/or to a fixing device (60) and/or to another connection device (10) and/or to a wall of a housing of a distribution device.