Busbar Switching Module Layout for Compact Metering and Easy Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facilities for arranging switching devices on electricity collection rails face challenges of high space requirements and complex component exchange, particularly when integrating electronics modules for monitoring and processing electrical data.

Innovation Solution

A facility comprising a switching device and an electronics module, where the electronics module is designed with a modular housing structure allowing for easy assembly and exchange of components, and is integrated in a way that minimizes space requirements by positioning the sensor component close to the input current conductor and allowing the processing component to be easily accessed and replaced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate device support bar is used to accommodate the transformer and measuring sensor, then the components can be properly positioned, but the overall space requirement in the vertical direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and current measurement capabilityVSAvoidvertical space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transformer housing with the switching device housing, eliminating the need for a separate device support bar. The transformer is positioned within the housing structure of the switching device itself, integrating multiple functions into a single compact unit while maintaining proper positioning and measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is nested within the housing structure of the switching device, with the transformer housing forming part of the overall device housing. This nested arrangement allows the transformer and measuring sensors to be positioned within the existing spatial envelope of the switching device without increasing vertical space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If electronic components are integrated into the switching device housing, then space requirements are reduced, but the complexity of component exchange and assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space requirementVSAvoidcomponent exchange simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electronic module into separable components (transformer, measuring sensor, processing unit) that can be independently accessed and exchanged. The housing is designed with accessible openings and removable panels that allow individual components to be replaced without disassembling the entire switching device, maintaining ease of repair while integrating components within the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the sensor component is positioned close to the input current conductor, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor component is merged with the input current conductor structure, where the sensor is positioned in close proximity to the conductor for accurate measurement. The housing structure integrates both the conductor and sensor positioning features, simplifying the overall integration while maintaining measurement precision through close positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4068323B1Device for arranging on busbars, comprising a switching device and an electronics module
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 JEAN MULLER ELEKTROTECHN FAB
  • EP4068323B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4068323B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4068323B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for arrangement on busbars comprising a switching device (1) and an electronic module (2), wherein the switching device (1) has a front side (3) facing away from the busbars, a housing (4) and fuse holders (18) arranged in a longitudinal direction of the switching device (1) for receiving fuses, wherein a contact pair is assigned to each fuse holder (18), wherein one contact of the contact pair is connected to an input current conductor and the other contact of the contact pair is connected to an output current conductor, and wherein the electronic module (2) comprises a housing (5, 6, 7, 8) and a sensor component for voltage and/or current and/or energy measurement.a processing component for acquiring and processing an output signal of the sensor component or a pre-processed output signal of the sensor component, and a transfer component for forwarding the output signal of the sensor component to the processing component or for pre-processing the output signal of the sensor component and forwarding the pre-processed output signal of the sensor component to the processing component, wherein the housing (5, 6, 7, 8) of the electronic module (2) comprises a first housing section (5), a second housing section (6) and a third housing section (7), wherein the sensor component (9) is mounted in the first housing section (5), the transfer component (11) is mounted in the second housing section (6) and the processing component (10) is mounted in the third housing section (7),wherein the switching device (1) and the electronic module (2) are detachably connected to each other, wherein the first housing section (5) of the electronic module (2) is arranged on a rear side of the switching device (1) facing away from the front side (3) and the second housing section (6) and the third housing section (7) of the electronic module (2) project in the longitudinal direction (X) of the switching device (1) relative to the switching device (1).