Busbar Contact Layout With Offset Connections for Compact Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar systems for luminaires and electrical units require a larger space for conductor connections due to the larger cross-section of connecting contacts, limiting the compact arrangement of conductors and reducing the number of available conductors per unit space.

Innovation Solution

The connecting contacts in the connection area of successive busbar sections are arranged alternately offset at two longitudinal positions, allowing for a more compact arrangement of conductors while maintaining continuous accessibility, by using connecting contacts that form a contact surface accessible from the contacting side and are distributed over two offset areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connecting contacts with larger cross-section are used to ensure reliable electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the space required at the connection point increases, limiting the number of conductors that can be arranged in a compact manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidspace at connection point
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting contacts are arranged alternately offset at two longitudinal positions along the busbar section, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to distribute contacts that would otherwise compete for lateral space. This alternating arrangement allows conductors to be positioned more closely together while maintaining adequate spacing for reliable electrical connection at each offset position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection area is segmented into two offset longitudinal positions, with connecting contacts distributed alternately at these positions rather than concentrated at a single location. This segmentation allows the connection function to be fulfilled while reducing the peak space requirement at any single connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If more conductors are arranged in a compact busbar, then the number of power supply lines is increased, but the space for connecting contacts becomes insufficient, compromising connection accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of conductorsVSAvoidconnection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By distributing connecting contacts along the longitudinal direction at two offset positions rather than concentrating them at a single transverse location, the invention enables more conductors to be accommodated in the transverse direction while maintaining accessibility for connection operations along the longitudinal direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor ends are designed to extend slightly beyond the insulating conductor mounting structure at alternating positions, preparing them in advance for connection with the offset arranging contacts. This preliminary positioning facilitates easy connection while maintaining compact overall arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If connecting contacts are arranged at a single location to simplify the connection structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the arrangement of conductors becomes less compact, requiring more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure complexityVSAvoidspace occupied by conductor arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a longitudinal offset dimension to the connecting contact arrangement, transforming a single-location two-dimensional arrangement into a distributed three-dimensional arrangement. This increases spatial efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the offset pattern is regular and systematic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4042526B1Bus bar for lights or electrical units
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP4042526B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4042526B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7
  • EP4042526B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

A bus bar (45) for lights (90) or electrical loads has conductors (10) running in a longitudinal direction, for supplying current and/or for transmitting signals. The connecting region between two successive bus bar sections (451, 452) is provided with connection contacts (1), to which the respective end faces of two conductors (10) to be interconnected are connected and which form a contacting surface (5) that is accessible from a contacting side, the connection contacts (1) in the connecting region between two successive bus bar sections (451, 452) being offset alternately in two longitudinal positions (A, B).