Detachable Busbar Connector with Form-Fit Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting consecutive busbars in conductor rails are cumbersome and require manual intervention to compensate for tensile forces, lacking a secure form-fit connection that ensures stability without screw tightening.
Innovation Solution
A method and design where a first receiving part is attached to one end of a first busbar and a second receiving part to a second busbar, with a connecting part forming a form-fitting connection along the longitudinal direction, using a pin and recess mechanism, allowing automatic retention without manual holding and enabling secure connection without immediate screw tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is used to connect two consecutive busbars, then the busbars can be detachably connected, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring multiple assembly steps and manual intervention to compensate for tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-assembled with the first receiving part and connecting part before being installed on the busbars. This preliminary assembly prepares the connection components in advance, reducing the complexity during the actual installation process on the conductor rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate components: a first receiving part for the first busbar, a second receiving part for the second busbar, and a connecting part that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently assembled and tested, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual intervention is required to compensate for tensile forces during assembly, then connection stability can be maintained, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design includes a self-aligning mechanism where the connecting part automatically compensates for tensile forces and maintains connection stability without requiring manual intervention. The form-fit connection between the connecting part and receiving parts provides inherent stability that maintains connection integrity during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes elastic deformation of the connecting part to absorb and compensate for tensile forces. By changing the physical state of the connecting part from rigid to elastically deformable, the system automatically maintains connection stability while enabling faster assembly without manual force compensation.
3Strength
If the connecting part is tightly secured to both receiving parts, then connection strength is maximized, but the assembly process becomes more difficult requiring precise alignment and immediate screw tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-assembled with the first receiving part and connecting part in a controlled environment, ensuring proper alignment and fit before installation. This preliminary preparation reduces the difficulty during final assembly on the conductor rail, as the components are already configured for optimal connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides different qualities in different regions: the connecting part has a form-fit connection area for easy alignment and attachment to the first receiving part, while the second receiving part area is designed for subsequent securement. This local differentiation of connection qualities enables easier assembly while maintaining overall connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a corresponding contact line (14) for detachably connecting at least two subsequent busbars (2, 3) of a contact line (14) by means of a connector (1), a first receiving part (4) being detachably fastened to a first end (2a) of a first bus bar (2), and a second receiving part (5) being detachably fastened to a second end (3a) of a second bus bar (3), and the first receiving part (4) and the second receiving part (5) being detachably interconnected in a first operational state by means of a connecting piece (6). After two first assembly steps, the two receiving parts (4, 5) are moved towards each other along a longitudinal direction (L) of the busbar (2, 3) in a third assembly step until they reach a position of connection, a first connecting portion (6c) of the connecting piece (6) being inserted in the gap (S). In order to improve said method, a form-locking connection which is effective in the longitudinal direction (L) is established between the connecting piece (6) and the second receiving part (5) when the position of connection is reached. In order to improve the contact line (14), in a preassambled state, a first securing means arranged on the second receiving part (5) and a second securing means arranged on the connecting piece (6) cooperate in a form-fit in a longitudinal direction (L) of the busbar (2, 3) in such a manner that the two receiving parts (4, 5) are maintained in a position of connection.