Interlocking Crossing Bus Support Apparatus for Enclosure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crossing bus support systems are complex, difficult to assemble, and time-consuming to manufacture, particularly when dealing with long buses or those with weld joints, as they require precise alignment and multiple pieces, which complicates the installation process within electrical enclosure boxes.
Innovation Solution
A crossing bus support apparatus with interlockable connectors and phase bus slots that can be easily assembled by snapping together, reducing the need for additional fasteners and allowing for rapid installation, while maintaining the necessary spacing and structural integrity to withstand short circuit interruption forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional crossing bus support systems are used, then structural integrity to withstand short circuit forces is maintained, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support pieces into a single integrated support structure that includes a body with first and second support portions, connectors, and spacing features all in one piece. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and fasteners, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand short circuit forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into functional regions within a single piece: the body portion, first support portion for the first bus, second support portion for the second bus, connectors for attachment, and spacing features. This segmentation of functions within a unified structure allows easy assembly while preserving strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate support pieces are used, then precise alignment and positioning are achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining alignment features, support portions, and connectors into a single pre-aligned support structure, the patent eliminates the time-consuming process of aligning and fastening multiple separate pieces. The single piece is manufactured with precise internal alignment, then installed as one unit, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners and multiple pieces are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates connectors directly into the support structure body, combining the attachment function with the support function. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces the number of components that must be handled and assembled, making installation easier while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated connectors.
4Productivity
If a single integrated support structure is used, then assembly time and manufacturing complexity are reduced, but the ability to maintain precise spacing between buses must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates specific spacing features (such as spaced-apart connectors or integrated spacers) at critical locations within the single support structure. This local quality approach ensures precise spacing between buses at the specific points where it is needed, while the rest of the structure maintains overall structural integrity and support function.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a crossing bus support apparatus and connectors thereof. The crossing bus support apparatus includes a body structure having a first portion with a plurality of phase bus slots, the phase bus slots adapted to receive a plurality of crossing buses, a first connector on a first end having dual protrusions each protrusion having an interlockable feature; and a second connector on a second end having dual protrusions each protrusion having an interlockable feature. The crossing bus support apparatus may be used in pairs to capture crossing buses into the phase bus slots. Systems, assemblies, connectors, and methods of installing and utilizing the crossing bus support apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.