Busbar Support Structure for Dense Switchgear Phase Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional busbar support devices in switchgear are inadequate in reliably fixing busbars, particularly in high-density configurations, and fail to prevent phase-to-phase contact during deformation, posing a safety risk.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising insulating supports with grooves and fixing brackets, along with threaded fasteners and position adjustment means, to securely hold busbars and maintain phase separation, enhancing safety and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional busbar support devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the busbar cannot be reliably fixed and phase-to-phase contact may occur during deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusbar fixation reliabilityVSAvoidsupport device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into multiple independent support units, each comprising a support body with a groove for holding the busbar. Each support unit can independently accommodate and constrain the busbar, providing distributed support along the busbar length. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability even if one support unit experiences deformation, as other units continue to provide support and prevent phase-to-phase contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar is nested within the groove of the support body, creating a constrained configuration where the busbar is held securely by the support structure. The groove geometry is designed to match the busbar cross-section, providing mechanical interlocking that prevents displacement and deformation. This nesting arrangement ensures reliable fixation while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If busbars are arranged at high density in switchgear, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of phase-to-phase contact during deformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitchgear space utilizationVSAvoidphase-to-phase contact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each support unit is designed with specific local geometric features, including grooves tailored to the busbar cross-section and positioning elements that provide localized constraint. The support bodies are made of insulating material with appropriate mechanical properties to resist deformation. These local quality enhancements ensure that each support unit effectively prevents phase-to-phase contact at its specific location, enabling high-density arrangement while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is designed to preemptively counteract potential deformation and displacement of busbars before phase-to-phase contact can occur. The rigid support bodies with precisely fitted grooves create mechanical constraints that prevent the busbar from deforming into adjacent phases. By providing this preliminary anti-action through the support structure, the system can safely accommodate high-density busbar arrangements without increasing the risk of harmful contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4648240A1Device for supporting busbar and switchgear
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4648240A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4648240A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4648240A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device (10) for supporting a busbar, and a switchgear. The device comprises: at least one pair of supports, each pair of supports comprising: a first busbar support (110), comprising a first groove (112) extending through the first busbar support (110) in the thickness direction (Z); and a second busbar support (120), arranged opposite the first busbar support (110) and comprising a second groove (122) extending through the second busbar support (120) in the thickness direction (Z), wherein the first groove (112) and the second groove (122) are arranged opposite each other to form a shape adapted to receive the busbar in the thickness direction (Z), the thickness direction (Z) being parallel to or coincident with a thickness direction (Z) of the busbar; and a first fixing bracket (130), fixed to the at least one pair of supports and configured to support the at least one pair of supports.