Nested Barrier for Electrical Distribution Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution apparatuses face challenges in restricting access to electrically charged components, such as power connectors, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly, as regulations require limited accessibility during operation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a barrier system with inner and outer collars that cover the cable opening of power connectors, allowing for tool-free coupling and accommodating cables of different sizes without increasing the device's footprint, using engagement features and inserts to secure cables and prevent direct contact with conductive components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional access restriction methods are used for power connectors, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to electrically charged componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is nested within the cable opening structure, with inner and outer collars forming a compact layered configuration that integrates directly into the power connector assembly, eliminating the need for separate access restriction components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the inner collar receives the cable, the outer collar provides additional restriction, and the wall covers the cable opening, all forming one unified component that restricts access while maintaining cable connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If barriers are added to restrict access to power connectors, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to electrically charged componentsVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner collar and outer collar are nested concentrically within the cable opening, creating a compact multi-layered barrier structure that provides enhanced protection without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier is segmented into distinct functional portions: the inner collar for cable reception, the outer collar for additional restriction, and the wall for opening coverage, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall safety mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cable access is restricted by barriers, then safety is improved, but cable accommodation flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to electrically charged componentsVSAvoidcable size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nested collar structure creates concentric receiving spaces that can accommodate cables of varying diameters, with the inner collar providing primary reception and the outer collar providing additional clearance for different cable sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier structure exhibits local quality variations in its collar dimensions and spacing, allowing specific regions to be optimized for different cable sizes while maintaining overall access restriction functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10147579B2Electrical distribution apparatus including barrier and methods of assembling same

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 ABB SPA

AI summary

An electrical device includes a power connector coupleable to a cable. The power connector defines an interior space and a cable opening, the power connector arranged to receive the cable into the interior space through the cable opening. The electrical device further includes a barrier arranged to at least partially cover the cable opening, said barrier comprising an inner collar and an outer collar, each of said inner collar and said outer collar arranged to receive at least a portion of the cable therethrough, wherein said outer collar circumscribes said inner collar.