Feed Thru Bus Assembly for Compact Multi-Unit Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems for multi-unit buildings face challenges in fitting within limited space constraints, requiring improvements to reduce complexity and component count while maintaining effective electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A main breaker apparatus with an enclosure containing a bus assembly, including feed thru bus bars and cross bus bars, and a main circuit interface device, allowing direct electrical connections between the apparatus and meter stacks, enabling compact power distribution and reduced component usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional power distribution systems use separate main service breaker panels, feed through tap boxes, and meter socket stacks, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but space requirements increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main service breaker panel, feed through tap box, and meter socket stack into a single integrated main breaker apparatus. The enclosure houses both the main service circuit breaker and the bus assembly (including feed thru bus bars and cross bus bars) together, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining all necessary electrical connectivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated main breaker apparatus performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides main service circuit breaker protection, serves as a feed through tap box for passing power to other floors, and interfaces with meter stacks for individual unit metering. The bus assembly configuration enables both lateral power distribution to cross buses and vertical feed through capability.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional power distribution systems use multiple separate components, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components (main service breaker panel, feed through tap box, meter socket stack) into a single integrated main breaker apparatus with a unified enclosure and bus assembly, reducing component count while maintaining all necessary electrical connectivity through the integrated bus bar configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If compact design is implemented to reduce space requirements, then space utilization improves, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bus assembly is designed with distinct feed thru bus bars and cross bus bars that are segmented and independently positioned within the enclosure, allowing for modular installation and connection to respective meter stacks and feed through points, which simplifies the installation process despite the compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bars are configured to extend in multiple dimensions within the enclosure - feed thru bus bars extend vertically for feed through connections while cross bus bars extend laterally for cross bus connections, enabling compact three-dimensional power distribution that maximizes space utilization while maintaining installation accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A main breaker apparatus including feed thru bus and cross bus capability for multi-unit buildings. The main breaker apparatus includes an enclosure and a bus assembly within the enclosure. The bus assembly includes a feed thru bus assembly including a plurality of feed thru bus bars configured to receive line power at a first end and pass thru power at a second end, a cross bus assembly including a plurality of cross bus bars, and a main circuit interface device coupled between the plurality of feed thru bus bars and the plurality of cross bus bars. Electrical power distribution systems including the main breaker apparatus and methods of providing power to a multi-unit building are disclosed, as are other aspects.