Double-Grip Clamp for Busbar Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-clip interconnection systems for electrical switchboards often damage busbars with conductive surface coatings due to excessive scratching and fail to allow quick, safe connections when the switchboard is live, and they do not provide a uniform electrical contact.
Innovation Solution
A double-clip interconnection clamp with rigid electroconductive plates and elastic elements that rotate and translate to securely engage busbars without excessive force, minimizing scratching and allowing live connections, featuring a design that includes a first clip part locking onto the busbar's lateral surfaces and a second clip part interacting with a connection terminal for stable electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-clip interconnection systems with high elastic resistance are used to ensure stable interconnections, then the clamping force is sufficiently high, but the busbar surface coating is excessively scratched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The clip features differentiated contact surfaces: smooth contact surfaces for engaging the busbar to minimize scratching, and rough contact surfaces for engaging the terminal to ensure stable electrical connection. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying appropriate surface characteristics to different functional areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material layer acts as an intermediary between the metallic clip and the busbar surface coating. This intermediate layer reduces direct mechanical contact and friction, thereby minimizing scratching of the busbar coating while still allowing effective electrical and mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps with studs or screw clamps are used to make electrical connections, then the electrical connection is established, but the busbar surface coating is excessively scratched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical screwing or stud-based connection system with a double-clip mechanism that uses elastic deformation and friction-based holding. This substitution eliminates the scratching action inherent in screw threads and stud engagement while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip utilizes controlled elastic deformation to achieve connection. By changing the mechanical state from rigid (screws) to elastically deformable (clip arms), the system achieves connection through gentle bending and spring-back action rather than abrasive mechanical engagement.
3Reliability
If traditional clamps are used for electrical connections, then the connection is made, but quick interconnection and safe live connections are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The clip arms are designed to be dynamically flexible during installation, allowing easy opening and closing movements for quick connection. Once engaged, the system transitions to a statically stable locked position that ensures safe live connections. This dynamic behavior enables both ease of operation and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is pre-loaded with elastic energy during manufacturing, storing the force needed for connection. This preliminary action eliminates the need for additional tightening operations during installation, enabling quick connection while the pre-stored elastic force ensures reliable holding for safe live operations.
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
The clamp achieves quick and safe electrical connections without damaging busbars, ensuring stable and uniform contact even when the switchboard is live, and can be easily assembled, reducing the risk of electrical accidents during use and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a first clip part (51') provided with a first set of elastic elements (56) able to store a first amount of mechanical energy and exert a first restoring force; a second clip part (51'') provided with a second set of elastic elements (56) able to store a second amount of mechanical energy and exert a second restoring force
Implementation Method 2
Two parallel stacks of electroconductive plates (52)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention describes a double-clip electrical interconnection clamp (51) characterised in that it comprises: - a plurality of relatively rigid electroconductive plates (52) aligned along two parallel stacks; - a supporting structure (53, 54, 55) of said parallel stacks of plates (52); - mechanical coupling elements (53, 57) with play suitable for hinging the plates (52) to the supporting structure (53, 54, 55), so that such plates (52) can rotate and translate with respect to the supporting structure.