Modular Power Distribution Comb with Cuttable Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar distribution combs for electrical energy are costly to manufacture due to non-standard designs and cannot be reused after cutting, limiting their versatility and efficiency in electrical distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical distribution assembly featuring a multipolar comb with zones for auxiliary module connection, utilizing teeth and bar portions with clamps for secure electrical connections, allowing the comb to be cut and reused while maintaining compatibility with a power supply device, and made from standard comb materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-standard multipolar distribution comb is used to connect auxiliary modules, then electrical connection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution comb is designed with zones that can serve multiple functions: some zones have teeth for electrical connection while other zones have smooth bar portions for alternative connection methods. This universal design allows a single standard comb to fulfill multiple connection requirements, eliminating the need for specialized non-standard combs and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining electrical connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution comb is segmented into distinct zones along its length: connection zones with teeth for electrical connection to modular devices, and smooth bar portions for connection to auxiliary modules. This segmentation allows the comb to provide both electrical distribution functionality and auxiliary module connection capability using a single standard component, avoiding the need for expensive custom-designed combs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-standard multipolar distribution comb is used, then connection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution comb serves as a universal component that can connect to both modular electrical devices via its teeth and to auxiliary modules via its smooth bar portions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single standardized design, avoiding the complexity of requiring multiple specialized components or custom-designed combs for different connection types.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution comb maintains a homogeneous, standardized structure throughout its length, with only the surface characteristics varying (teeth in connection zones, smooth in auxiliary connection zones). This homogeneous design based on standard components simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining connection versatility, as opposed to using heterogeneous custom-designed components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the comb is cut for customization, then adaptability is improved, but reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution comb is pre-segmented into modular zones during manufacturing, with connection zones and smooth bar portions clearly defined. This allows the comb to be customized by cutting at predetermined locations while maintaining functionality, as each zone is designed to work independently. The segmentation enables both customization and potential reuse of individual zones or sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows portions of the comb to be discarded (cut off) when customizing for specific applications, while the remaining portions can be recovered and reused. The standardized zones ensure that even after cutting, the remaining comb sections maintain their connection capabilities and can be reused with auxiliary modules or electrical devices, preserving reusability while enabling customization.
4Ease of manufacture
If a standard comb is used instead of non-standard, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connection capability to auxiliary modules is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The standard distribution comb is segmented to include both connection zones with teeth and smooth bar portions. This segmentation allows the comb to maintain its standard, cost-effective manufacturing while simultaneously providing the capability to connect to auxiliary modules through the smooth portions, thus preserving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard distribution comb is designed with multi-functionality, where different zones serve different purposes: teeth for electrical connection to modular devices and smooth bar portions for connection to auxiliary modules. This universal design allows a single standard comb to fulfill multiple connection requirements, maintaining both cost-effectiveness and connection capability to auxiliary modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric distribution assembly comprising a multipole comb for power distribution among multiple modularized electric units and a power supply device including the comb. The comb includes at least one conductive strip. The conductive strip includes a row of teeth which are arranged in such a manner that the pitch of the teeth is equal to the preset distance of at least one corresponding module. The electric units are of a modularized format. Each unit, on the whole, has a parallel hexahedron shape, and includes two main surfaces and two side surfaces extending from one of the two main surfaces to the other, wherein the width which is the distance between the two main surfaces equals to the sum of modules in an integer number. One of the side surfaces has at least one opening can approximately suitable for receiving at least one terminal of the teeth of the comb. The power supply device of the comb includes an auxiliary module which is used for electrically connecting downstream terminals of one of the units which are called lead wire units to different strips of the comb, so that the supply of electric power to be comb is ensured.