Integrated Spacer Fixing Device for Tool-Free Busbar Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar systems face challenges in being produced inexpensively, having a compact design, easy tool-free installation, and ensuring long-term mechanical, electrical, and temperature-dependent stability while allowing for quick assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The busbar system features a spacer with a holding element arranged at a distance from its base via a traverse, allowing for tool-free installation of different cover elements using a single fixing device, with a locking mechanism that includes latching elements and a clamping system for secure attachment, and is designed to accommodate various dimensions and materials for enhanced stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional busbar systems use separate fixing devices and multiple components, then assembly complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise, but structural strength and reliability are maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fixing device and spacer into a single integrated component. The fixing device is formed as one piece with the spacer, eliminating the need for separate fixing elements and reducing the number of parts. This merging reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying production processes and reduces assembly complexity by eliminating multiple assembly steps for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fixing device-s Spacer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fixing, electrical insulation, and structural support. The single component performs what previously required multiple separate parts, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining all necessary functions.

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

2Productivity

If busbar systems use traditional covering systems with multiple parts, then assembly time increases and tool requirements increase, but coverage and protection are ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidcontinuous operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The covering system is divided into modular cover elements that can be independently assembled. Each cover element is designed to fit specific sections of the busbar system, allowing for quick, tool-free assembly while maintaining complete coverage and protection. The segmentation enables parallel assembly operations and reduces the time required to cover the entire busbar system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover elements are designed with self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure themselves without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. The covers snap into place on the busbar system, providing immediate protection and ensuring reliable continuous operation through their self-securing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If spacers and cover elements are made from standardized components, then manufacturing cost decreases and assembly simplifies, but adaptability to different dimensions and materials is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different dimensionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated fixing device-s Spacer is designed with adjustable parameters and scalable dimensions that can be modified to accommodate different busbar sizes, materials, and configurations. By varying key dimensions and geometric parameters of the single integrated component, the system can adapt to different applications without requiring completely different components, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3369608B1Busbar system
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP3369608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369608B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a busbar system comprising at least one busbar (1), at least one cover element (2) and at least one spacer (3), wherein the spacer (3) has at least one locking element (4, 5), a base (30), at least one retaining element (6) and a clamping element (31), which is characterized in that the spacer (3) has at least one fixing device (8) which securely overlaps at least one free end (21, 22) of the cover element (2) and which is operatively connected to the spacer (3) via at least one fixing element (83, 84).