Continuous Bus Power Distribution System with Cam-Operated Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution systems in mission-critical data centers lack adequate protection and monitoring features, making them unsuitable for continuous power distribution and quick equipment changes without shutting down the power supply.
Innovation Solution
A Continuous Bus Power Distribution System (CBusPDS) that includes a power track housing assembly with cam-operated splicing assemblies and plug-in power taps, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without rotating the mechanical structure, along with integrated monitoring and protective devices like circuit breakers and temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional floor mounted power distribution units with attached cables are used, then power distribution is established, but equipment changes require power shutdown and the system lacks adequate protection and monitoring features
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a power track housing assembly with conductors, and separate plug-in power taps. This segmentation allows power taps to be quickly connected and disconnected from the track without affecting the main power supply, enabling equipment changes while maintaining continuous power distribution to other devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic cam-operated contact extending mechanism that transitions from a retracted to an extended state to establish electrical contact with the track conductors. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid connection and disconnection of power taps without rotating the mechanical structure, resolving the contradiction between reliable power distribution and ease of equipment changes.
2Productivity
If track lighting systems or conventional busways are used, then power distribution is achieved, but they lack adequate protection and monitoring features for mission critical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges power distribution functionality with integrated protection and monitoring features into a unified system. The power track housing assembly and power taps incorporate circuit breakers, temperature sensors, and other protective devices that work together to provide both efficient power distribution and reliable monitoring capability, eliminating the need to choose between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power track housing assembly serves multiple functions: it distributes electrical power through conductors, provides mechanical support for power taps, and integrates protection features (circuit breakers, temperature monitoring). This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both efficient power distribution and reliable protection/monitoring in a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If plug-in power taps require mechanical rotation to make electrical connection, then connection is established, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire mechanical structure of the power tap to make contact, the invention inverts the approach: the cam mechanism rotates to extend the contact members linearly toward the conductors. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the need for rotational alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the extended contact members.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces a complex rotational mechanical alignment system with a simpler cam-operated linear extension mechanism. The cam converts rotational motion into linear extension of contact members, substituting a complex rotational positioning system with a more straightforward mechanism that reduces device complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
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 continuous power distribution with enhanced protection and monitoring, allowing for quick equipment changes and maintenance without power shutdowns, improving reliability and efficiency in mission-critical environments.
Implementation Method 1
multiple track sections or housing assemblies being joined together by unique cam operated splicing assemblies
Implementation Method 2
the power taps also being connected to the track sections or housing assemblies by a contact extending mechanism or device, such as a cam
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of resilient spring members, wherein said contact extending device is positioned to engage and press at least one of said resilient spring members against respective said conductors
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
An electrical power distribution system that can provide power to load equipment at any point along its length includes two main components: a power track housing assembly with current carrying conductors that can be mounted to the wall, ceiling or under the floor, and a plug-in power tap. The power track housing assembly includes a housing, insulators, and two or multiple conductors. In order to increase the housing assembly length, the housing assembly is preferably arranged such that multiple housing assemblies can be spliced together using cam operated splicing assemblies that form straight, "90 degree" and/or "T" splices to configure the system to match the equipment arrangement, and that allow all conductors in respective housing assemblies to be connected to each other simultaneously. The plug-in power taps also employ a system such as a shaft-cam mechanism that allows the assemblies to be electrically connected to all phase conductors within the power track housing assembly simultaneously. In addition, the power taps may include circuit breakers or other protective devices, and/or other sub-modules.