Parallel Bar Current Distributor with Lateral Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric current distribution devices in electrical cabinets face challenges with accessibility, tool requirement for connections, and long cable lengths, especially when positioning between fixing rails or distributing current to lower rows of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A compact current distribution device with four bars (one neutral and three phase) arranged parallel to each other, mounted in an insulating casing, featuring quick-connect terminals perpendicular to the bars' longitudinal direction, allowing horizontal or vertical positioning between mounting rails, reducing cable lengths and eliminating the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stepped distributors with screws or vertical distributors with lugs are used, then current distribution is achieved, but connection accessibility deteriorates and tool requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical screw connections and lug connections with a push-in terminal system. The terminals feature a clamp mechanism that grips the conductor when pushed in, eliminating the need for screws, lugs, and tools. This mechanical substitution directly improves connection accessibility while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-in terminals are designed to self-grip the conductor through a spring-loaded clamp mechanism. When the conductor is inserted, the clamp automatically engages and secures it without requiring additional fastening steps. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools and simplifies the connection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributors are positioned to reach lower rows of equipment, then current distribution coverage is improved, but cable length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical cable routing to horizontal cable routing by positioning terminals laterally accessible from the side of the distributor. This dimensional change allows cables to be connected perpendicular to the distributor's length, enabling shorter cable runs to reach equipment in lower rows while maintaining full distribution coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is equipped with multiple terminals distributed along its length, allowing selective connection points to be used based on equipment location. This segmentation enables optimized cable routing where cables can be connected at the nearest terminal, reducing overall cable length while maintaining distribution coverage to all required equipment.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are arranged on bars for vertical distribution, then current distribution to horizontal rows is achieved, but connection direction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging connectors vertically on the bars as in prior art, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning terminals laterally accessible from the side of the distributor. This inversion simplifies the connection direction to a uniform perpendicular approach, making connections easier while reducing the complexity of the connector arrangement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical current distribution device D intended to supply rows of electrical equipment (a,b,c,d) mounted on a mounting support (r,s,t,u) in an electrical box C, comprising a bar intended to carry the neutral and at least one bar intended to carry a phase, said bars being arranged substantially parallel to each other, and each supporting connection elements suitable for cooperating with terminals of the quick-connect type to a cable or the like.This device is characterized in that the aforementioned bars and connecting elements are arranged in relation to each other, in such a way that the connecting elements of the different phases are aligned successively and repeatedly along a first longitudinal direction, while the connecting elements of the neutral are aligned along a second longitudinal direction parallel to the first, so as to offer accessibility to a connection of the neutral (18) and to a connection of each of the phases (19) all along the device D.