Modular Holding Element for Busbar Fastening on Slotted Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distributor designs are complex and inflexible, making it difficult to quickly and easily install or retrofit multiple current-carrying busbars, especially in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular holding element with a base body, clamping surface, and connecting sections that can be assembled into a form-fit configuration, allowing for efficient attachment to perforated rails or walls, enabling flexible installation and expansion of busbars with a screw-driven locking mechanism and optional projections for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-position retaining elements are used in electrical distributors, then the structural stability is maintained, but the flexibility of busbar positioning and the ease of retrofitting additional busbars deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into modular components: a standardized perforated rail and separate retaining elements with connecting elements. This segmentation allows retaining elements to be independently positioned and configured, providing flexibility in busbar positioning while maintaining a simple standardized rail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different busbar positions and configurations. The connecting elements enable the same retaining element to be used in various positions on the perforated rail, serving multiple positioning functions without requiring different specialized components.
2Productivity
If multiple busbars are installed in existing distributors, then the electrical functionality is improved, but the assembly time and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Retaining elements are pre-assembled with connecting elements that enable quick coupling to the perforated rail. The modular design with pre-configured connecting elements allows for rapid installation without requiring complex on-site assembly operations, significantly reducing installation time for multiple busbars.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements provide a dynamic, easily adjustable connection mechanism between retaining elements and the perforated rail. This dynamic connection system allows for quick assembly and disassembly, enabling fast installation of multiple busbars without permanent or time-consuming fastening operations.
3Ease of operation
If modular retaining elements with connecting elements are used, then the ease of assembly and flexibility are improved, but the number of components and potential assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element integrates multiple functions into a single component: the base body provides structural support, the recess accommodates the busbar, and the connecting elements enable attachment to the perforated rail. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are integrated within or attached to the base body of the retaining element, creating a nested structure where the connection mechanism is contained within the overall retaining element assembly. This nesting reduces the number of separate loose components while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A modular retaining element (1) for fastening an electrical busbar (2) to a slotted rail (4) of an electrical distribution board (6), comprising a base body (8) having opposing first and second side surfaces (8.1, 8.2), a clamping surface (8.3) arranged orthogonally to these, and connecting sections (8.4, 8.5) arranged orthogonally to the side surfaces (8.1, 8.2) and to the clamping surface (8.3), wherein a recess (10) for receiving an end of a busbar (2) is formed in at least one of the two side surfaces (8.1, 8.2), and the base body (8) has an opening (12) through which a screw element (14) for generating a clamping force between the clamping surface (8.3) and the slotted rail (4) can be passed, is characterized in that the first and second connecting sections (8.4, 8.5) are formed opposite each other on the base body (8). and at the first connecting section (8.4) a female connecting element (16) and on the second connecting section (8.2) a male connecting element (18) is formed that is complementary to this, which can be inserted into the female connecting element (16) of a further identically formed retaining element (1) by creating a positive locking connection.