U-Shaped Busbar Splice Connector With Multi-Contact Louvers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical busway splice connectors do not efficiently support quick disconnection and reconnection of power distribution systems in mission-critical data centers without power interruption, and they lack effective isolation and low impedance connections for high current busbars.
Innovation Solution
A splice connector design featuring u-shaped busbar connectors with internal multi-contact louvers, insulating housing sections with vertical separating walls, and a planar insulator plate for horizontal isolation, allowing for secure and efficient electrical connections and easy assembly in modular power distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical busway splice connectors are used, then assembly and disassembly require significant time and effort, but the patent enables quick disconnection and reconnection without power interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The splice connector is divided into separate modular components including insulating housing sections, busbar connectors, and isolation plates that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for quick reconfiguration without requiring complete disassembly of the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow for dynamic reconfiguration during assembly and disassembly operations, enabling operators to quickly adapt the connector to different busway configurations without fixed rigid structures.
2Reliability
If conventional splice connectors are used, then electrical isolation between adjacent busbar connectors is insufficient, but the patent provides effective isolation between horizontally and vertically adjacent connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating housing sections incorporate vertically extending separating walls at specific locations where electrical isolation is needed between adjacent busbar connectors. This localized approach provides effective isolation only where required rather than using comprehensive insulation throughout the entire housing, reducing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal isolation plates are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between vertically adjacent busbar connectors to provide electrical isolation. These plates act as mediators that prevent electrical interference between adjacent connectors while maintaining a clean and organized structural design.
3Reliability
If simple busbar connectors are used, then connection impedance is high, but the patent achieves low impedance connections suitable for high current busbars
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact louver elements are combined within a single busbar connector assembly to create a multi-point electrical connection. This merging of multiple contact paths in parallel reduces overall connection impedance, enabling the connector to handle high current applications effectively while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact louver structure extends in multiple dimensions within the busbar connector, creating a three-dimensional contact network rather than simple planar contacts. This dimensional expansion increases the effective contact area and provides multiple current pathways, reducing impedance for high current busbars.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and reliable disconnection and reconnection of power distribution systems with minimal power interruption, providing effective electrical isolation and low impedance connections suitable for high current busbars, thus meeting the demands of mission-critical data centers.
Implementation Method 1
internal contact louvers... establish a low impedance electrical connection between the connector and the respective busbars
Implementation Method 2
insulating housing sections... provide isolation between horizontally adjacent busbar connectors... vertical isolation is provided by a separate planar spacer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A splice connector for a busway system utilizes individual connectors made of a conductive material and having a u-shaped cross-section that fit over ends of a pair of busbars to be connected to each other, and within which are mounted multi-contact louvers that extend the length of the connectors to establish a low impedance electrical connection between the connector and the respective busbars. Louvers are secured in place by a dovetail groove that retains the louvers within the connectors and causes the individual contact sections of the louvers to bow outwardly so as to press against the busbars when the connector is fitted over the busbars. The connectors are snapped into insulative housing halves or sections that align the connectors with the busbars, and that provide isolation between horizontally aligned pairs of connectors. Spacers enable different sized u-shaped connectors to fit within a standard insulative housing.