Flexible Bus Duct with Conductive Braid for Variable Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial power systems require bus ducts and bus bars of varying lengths to accommodate different generator and circuit breaker configurations, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and component diversity.

Innovation Solution

A flexible bus duct system with a bus bar comprising rigid sections and a conductive braid flexible section that can translate along multiple axes, allowing the system to adjust to different dimensions and orientations, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing component variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bus ducts and bus bars of varying lengths are manufactured to accommodate different generator and circuit breaker configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and component diversity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bus bar incorporates a flexible section with a conductive braid that can dynamically adjust its length and orientation, allowing the rigid sections to be positioned at various distances and angles while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need to manufacture multiple fixed-length bus bars for different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bus bar design with rigid sections and a flexible conductive braid section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support through rigid sections, electrical conductivity through the conductive braid, and adaptability to various configurations through its flexible nature. This universal design replaces multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bus duct and bus bar configurations are maintained in inventory, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing requirements and component diversity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bus bar is segmented into rigid sections and a flexible section with conductive braid. This segmentation allows the rigid sections to be manufactured to standard dimensions while the flexible section provides the necessary adaptability, reducing the need to manufacture complete bus bars in multiple varying lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible section with conductive braid allows the effective length and orientation parameters of the bus bar to change dynamically based on installation requirements, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple bus bars with fixed different parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-length bus bars are used for different configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying distances and orientations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustability to configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible section with conductive braid introduces dynamic adaptability to the bus bar design, allowing it to adjust to varying distances and orientations while the rigid sections maintain structural integrity and standard manufacturing practices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible bus duct and bus bar system enables a single, adaptable solution for various configurations, reducing manufacturing requirements, component diversity, and time to fulfill orders, while maintaining effective electricity transfer and environmental isolation.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible section of the bus bar includes a conductive braid, and the bus bar is configured to transfer electricity from the first rigid section to the second rigid section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The flexible bus duct section and the flexible section of the bus bar are configured to translate along at least one of a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the bus duct is configured to isolate the bus bar from an external environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10224702B1System for a flexible bus duct and bus bar

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A system includes a bus duct that includes a first end, a second end, and a duct body extending between the first end and the second end. The duct body include a flexible bus duct section, and the duct body forms an interior cavity. The system also includes a bus bar disposed within the interior cavity of the bus duct. The bus bar includes a first rigid section, a second rigid section, and a flexible section disposed between the first rigid section and the second rigid section. The flexible section of the bus bar includes a conductive braid, and the flexible bus duct section and the flexible section of the bus bar are configured to translate along at least one of a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis.