Modular Connection Unit with Insulating Receiving Part for Electrical Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical device systems lack a modular and environmentally friendly solution for connecting diverse electrical devices to each other and to external power sources, leading to inefficiencies and increased component counts.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical device system with a common DC link, using connection units with insulating receiving parts and conductive busbars or bracket parts that can be connected and disconnected as needed, reducing electrical resistance and component usage through a layered structure and reusable parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a modular system with identical receiving parts is used for all connection unit variants, then the number of components is reduced and environmental protection is improved, but the adaptability to different electrical devices must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidadaptability to different electrical devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different connection means (busbars, bracket parts, tab parts) for various electrical devices. The standardized receiving sections allow the same receiving part to be used across all connection unit variants, reducing component diversity while maintaining adaptability through configurable connection means.

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

2Loss of substance

If connection means are arranged at a distance from one another in the receiving part, then additional insulating material is eliminated and environmental protection is improved, but electrical insulation between connection means must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadditional insulating materialsVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part is made of electrically insulating material throughout its structure. This allows connection means to be arranged at distances sufficient for mechanical assembly while the insulating material itself provides the electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate insulating components between connection means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the layered structure of connecting rails with insulating means is used, then electrical conduction resistance is reduced and voltage stability is improved, but the complexity of the connection structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating means is integrated directly into the connection structure between connecting rails, forming a layered configuration where insulating and conductive elements are combined in a single assembly. This reduces electrical conduction resistance while maintaining structural coherence without requiring separate insulation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system enables efficient connection of various electrical devices with reduced component count, improved environmental protection by minimizing additional insulating materials and cables, and enhanced voltage stability through the layered structure acting as a filter capacitor.

Implementation Method 1

The layered structure of the connecting rails with the insulating means acts as a filter capacitor. Vibrations or fluctuations in the voltage in the connecting rails can thus be reduced.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3369139B1Connection unit for an electric appliance, electric appliance system, and production method
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3369139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369139B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a connection unit for an electrical device, an electrical device system, and a production method, the connection unit has an electrically insulating receiving part, which includes a first receiving section, a second receiving section, and at least one electrically conductive connection device, in particular a bus bar. The receiving part is arranged to accommodate connection device(s) with the aid of the first and second receiving sections. A connection device is accommodated in the first receiving section, and, for example, no connection devices are accommodated in the second receiving section.