Modular Busbar Insulating Supports for Accessible Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low-voltage electrical distribution systems face challenges with cumbersome supports that restrict access for connections, lack of protection against arc flash, and inefficient heat dissipation, leading to complications in wiring and current distribution.

Innovation Solution

A busbar system with insulating supports having a U-shaped cross-section, featuring clips and slides for secure bar holding, modular design, and integrated heat dissipation, allowing compact and accessible connections with optional accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulating supports are used to hold busbars, then electrical insulation and protection are improved, but accessibility for connections is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidaccessibility for connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating support is divided into multiple segments or sections along the busbar length. Each segment can be independently accessed or removed if needed, while maintaining continuous insulation coverage. This segmentation allows workers to access connection points without compromising the overall insulation protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection accessories or intermediary components are introduced that can interface with the insulating support structure. These intermediaries provide access pathways or connection interfaces through the insulated support, allowing electrical connections to be made while maintaining the insulation barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If multiple insulating supports are used to ensure electrodynamic withstand, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrodynamic withstandVSAvoidnumber of supports
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple insulating supports are merged into a single integrated insulating structure that spans the entire busbar length. This unified structure provides the necessary electrodynamic withstand strength while reducing the number of separate components, simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating support is constructed using composite materials that combine high mechanical strength with excellent electrical insulation properties. This allows a single support structure to provide both the required electrodynamic withstand and insulation, eliminating the need for multiple separate supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating supports house busbars over entire length, then protection against electric arcs is improved, but heat dissipation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against electric arcsVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating support structure incorporates localized heat dissipation features at specific points along the busbar, such as thermal vents or heat sinks positioned at connection points. These local features allow heat to escape from critical areas while maintaining continuous insulation coverage for arc protection along the entire busbar length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Heat dissipation components are nested within or integrated into the insulating support structure itself. For example, thermal management elements are embedded within the insulation material or positioned in recesses of the support, allowing heat dissipation functionality to be contained within the protective insulation structure without compromising arc protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides secure, compact, and accessible connections with enhanced protection against arc flash and improved heat dissipation, facilitating efficient electrical distribution.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating support intended to house said bar over substantially its entire length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the assembly comprising the upright(s), the crosspiece(s) and the insulating supports housing the bars, form a rigid assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentEP3336983B1Low voltage electrical distribution installation
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3336983B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3336983B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3336983B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a low-voltage electrical distribution installation comprising at least one busbar electrically connected on the one hand to a power supply busbar or to upstream protection equipment, and on the other hand to equipment electrical equipment, this installation being characterized in that it comprises, for each of at least two bars (1 to 4), an insulating support (5 to 8) intended to house said bar over substantially its entire length, each insulating support (5 to 8) comprising means of attachment (15,16) to another insulating support adjacent to the first, the number of insulating supports being adaptable on demand, each insulating support located at the end of a group of insulating supports, being intended to be fixed to at least one upright (11,12) belonging to a housing device for the equipment, by means of at least one crosspiece (9,10,14) extending substantially perpendicularly in the longitudinal direction the of said corresponding bar (1 to 4), said at least one crosspiece (9,10,14) being fixed on the one hand to the upright(s) (11,12), and on the other hand, to said insulating support (5 to 8) in such a way as to provide full accessibility to the connection surface of the bar and so that the assembly comprising the upright(s), the crosspiece(s) and the insulating supports housing the bars, form a rigid assembly.