Modular Honeycomb Component Plug-in Jumper Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shunting honeycombs lack flexibility and adaptability to accommodate varying numbers of conductors, requiring multiple honeycomb blocks and rigid mounting frames, which complicates electrical connections and reduces available conductor connection elements.

Innovation Solution

A honeycomb building block design featuring plug-in bridges with transverse bridging capabilities, allowing for easy electrical connection between blocks, and a modular structure with adjustable inner and outer housings for flexible configuration, enabling adaptable and efficient conductor routing without increasing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple honeycomb blocks are used to accommodate varying numbers of conductors, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to rigid mounting frames and multiple blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying numbers of conductorsVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple blocks and mounting frames
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The honeycomb component is divided into modular building blocks that can be connected in series. Each block contains conductor connection elements and connecting elements for joining blocks together, allowing flexible configuration without rigid mounting frames. This segmentation enables adaptation to varying conductor numbers while maintaining simplicity through standardized modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The honeycomb building blocks are designed with universal connecting elements on opposite side surfaces that can be correspondingly formed and arranged. These connecting elements serve multiple functions: mechanical connection between blocks, alignment guidance, and electrical connection pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting frames and simplifies the overall structure.

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

2Reliability

If conductor connection elements are connected via busbars, then electrical connection is achieved, but the number of freely available conductor connection elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of freely available conductor connection elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection function is extracted from the conductor connection elements and implemented through separate connecting elements that can be plugged into function shafts. This separation allows conductor connection elements to remain freely available for external conductor connections while busbars or plug-in bridges provide the necessary electrical interconnections between blocks without consuming connection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Plug-in bridges with plugs serve as intermediaries between conductor connection elements on adjacent blocks. The plugs insert into function shafts and establish electrical connections through busbars or direct contact, mediating the electrical connection without requiring the conductor connection elements themselves to be used for inter-block connections. This preserves the availability of conductor connection elements for their primary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If shunting honeycombs are arranged in rigid mounting frames, then structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to individual wishes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of shunting honeycombVSAvoidadaptability to individual wishes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure transitions from rigid fixed frames to dynamic modular assemblies. Honeycomb blocks are connected through detachable connecting elements that allow easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration. This dynamic connection system maintains structural stability during use while enabling flexible adaptation to different configurations and individual requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements are integrated into the side surfaces of the honeycomb blocks themselves, with connecting elements on opposite side surfaces being correspondingly formed and arranged. This nesting of connection functionality within the blocks eliminates the need for external rigid mounting frames while maintaining structural integrity and enabling flexible assembly configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3714512B1Honeycomb component
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3714512B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3714512B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3714512B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A honeycomb component (1) for forming a jumpering honeycomb (2) is illustrated and described, comprising a box-shaped housing (3) having two end faces (4a, 4b) and four side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) extending between the end faces (4a, 4b), wherein at least two conductor insertion openings (6) are formed in each case in the two end faces (4a, 4b), to each of which openings is assigned a conductor terminal element (7) arranged in the housing (3), wherein the side faces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) each have at least one connection element (8, 9) for connection to another honeycomb component (2), and wherein the connection elements (8, 9) on mutually opposite side faces (5a, 5c; 5b, 5d) are formed and arranged in a manner corresponding to one another. In the case of the honeycomb component (1) according to the invention, a potential distribution is possible in a simple manner by virtue of the fact that at least two functional shafts (10) are formed in at least one end face (4a), that at least two busbars (11) are arranged in the housing (3), wherein a busbar (11) is in each case electrically conductively connected to a conductor terminal element (7), and that in each case at least one opening (12) corresponding to a functional shaft (10) is formed in the at least two busbars (11), such that a plug (13, 23) of a plug-in jumper (14, 24) is able to be plugged into the opening (12) in a busbar (11) through a functional shaft (10) in the end face (4a).