Busway Tap Off Unit With Retractable Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution systems restrict spur connections to predefined tap off points, requiring power shutdown for new connections, posing safety risks and limiting adaptability.
Innovation Solution
An electrical distribution system with moveable tap off units that can be mounted at any desired location along the busway section, featuring retractable male contacts and a locking mechanism allowing secure engagement with busbars without power shutdown, enabling safe and flexible connection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tap off units are coupled to predefined tap off points along the busway sections, then the system provides structured electrical connection points, but the locations at which spur connections may be made are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tap off unit is designed with moveable male contacts that can be extended or retracted, allowing the unit to be positioned at any location along the busway section rather than being fixed to predefined points. This dynamic positioning capability enables flexible connection locations while maintaining a simple overall system structure.
2Ease of operation
If covers are removed from the trunking to make new connections, then access to busbars is obtained, but power must be cut to the entire power track causing safety risks and operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The male contacts are designed to be extendable only when properly positioned and secured to the busway section. This preliminary positioning and securing action ensures that connections can be made safely without requiring power shutdown, as the connection process itself is designed to be inherently safe through proper mechanical engagement before electrical contact is made.
3Productivity
If male contacts are extended to engage busbars, then electrical connection is established, but the risk of electrocution exists during the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The tap off unit housing serves as an intermediary structure that provides a safe, insulated platform for extending the male contacts. The housing is positioned on the exterior of the busway section, allowing contacts to be extended in a controlled manner away from the enclosed busbars, reducing electrocution risk while maintaining rapid connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical distribution system comprising at least one busway section comprising an elongate trunking, a plurality busbars being disposed within the trunking, a respective elongate opening formed in a mounting face of the busway section permitting a respective male busbar engaging contact to engage the respective busbar, the system further comprising at least one tap off unit comprising a housing arranged to be mounted on the busway section, abutting the mounting face thereof, at any desired location along the length of the busway section, the at least one tap off unit having a plurality of conductive busbar engaging male contacts, the contacts being moveable between a retracted position, wherein the contacts are located within the housing, and an extended position, wherein the contacts extend out of the housing to engage a respective busbar via the elongate openings.