Movable Current Tap Arrangement for Flexible Busbar Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar systems lack flexibility and ease of operation for connecting functional inserts, requiring complex wiring and pre-selection of power tap configurations, which can lead to installation errors.

Innovation Solution

A current tap arrangement with a housing and housing insert that allows for flexible electrical connection of functional inserts to busbar conductors, enabling phase and emergency power supply selection through movable current collectors, and a method for easy installation without additional wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed wiring configuration is used in busbar systems, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring configuration precisionVSAvoidflexibility in connecting functional inserts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The current tap arrangement employs movable current collectors that can be positioned along the busbar to establish electrical contact at different locations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same functional insert to be adapted to different wiring configurations without pre-configured hardwired connections, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The current tap arrangement is designed as a universal interface that can connect to various busbar configurations and support multiple functional inserts with different power requirements. The movable current collectors can be adjusted to accommodate different phase arrangements and conductor positions, making the system versatile while maintaining precise electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If pre-configured wiring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring configuration complexityVSAvoidease of installation and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The current tap arrangement enables installers to independently configure the electrical connections by simply positioning the movable current collectors at the appropriate locations along the busbar. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex pre-configured wiring and allows flexible adaptation during installation without requiring specialized knowledge or tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable current collectors are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in power tap configurationVSAvoidcurrent tap arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current tap arrangement is segmented into modular components, with individual current collectors that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex functionality of multiple adjustable contacts to be achieved through simple, repeatable modular units, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3701597B1Current tap arrangement for a functional insert for a bus bar system, bus bar system and method for electrically contacting a current tap arrangement with a bus bar
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SITECO GMBH
  • EP3701597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3701597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a current tap arrangement for a functional insert (101) for a bus bar system (103), comprising: - a housing (104), - a housing insert (105) which is arranged in the housing (104) and is fixed to the housing (104) in a first state, and which is displaceable relative to the housing (104) along a first direction (111) in a second state, - a first current collector (106) which is coupled to the housing insert (105) and is displaceable relative to the housing insert (105) along the first direction (111) in the first state, and which is fixed to the housing insert (105) in the second state, - a second current collector (107) which is fixed to the housing insert (105) and which, in the first state, is fixed to the housing (104) together with the housing insert (105), and which, in the second state, is displaceable relative to the housing (104) along the first direction (111).