Tool-less Busway Take-off Device Securement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional take-off devices for electrical busways require tools for installation and removal, adding cost and time due to the need for additional hardware and tooling, and may not securely maintain connection under vibrations or external forces.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free securement mechanism using bi-directional rotating components and resistive forces, such as gravity and load apparatus weight, to lock the take-off device in place without separate fastening hardware, allowing for easy and secure installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners and clamps are used to secure the take-off device to the busway, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the securement mechanism directly into the housing structure, combining the functions of mounting and securing into a single integrated component. The housing itself becomes the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and clamps while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The take-off device features a self-securing mechanism where the housing structure automatically engages with the busway when the device is installed. The design allows the device to secure itself without requiring external fastening hardware or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If traditional fasteners and clamps are used to secure the take-off device, then the connection stability is improved, but the installation time and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the securement function into the housing, the patent eliminates multiple installation steps involving separate fasteners and clamps. The single integrated structure allows for quicker installation without requiring tooling for multiple fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-securing housing design allows the take-off device to be quickly installed by simply positioning it onto the busway, where it automatically secures itself. This eliminates the time-consuming process of manually installing multiple fastening components.
3Strength
If additional fastening hardware is used, then the securement strength is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the securement function into the housing structure itself, using the housing as both the protective enclosure and the mounting mechanism. This integration maintains securement strength while eliminating the need for additional fastening hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the electrical components, provides structural support, and acts as the securement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining overall system strength and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A take-off device for use with an electrical busway includes a housing having a number of electrical components disposed therein; a number of stabs electrically coupled to the electrical components, each stab of the number of stabs being structured to engage a busbar of an electrical busway; and a securement mechanism moveably coupled to the housing and structured to tightly secure the take-off device to the electrical busway without the use of any tools.