Pivotable Switchgear Busbar Holders for Front Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling distribution busbars in switch cabinets are cumbersome, as they can only be pushed in when the main busbars are not installed, leading to inefficiencies and potential waste of copper, and require complex reinstallation if installed after main busbars are in place.

Innovation Solution

The holders in the switch cabinet are designed to pivot, allowing distribution busbars to be installed even when main busbars are already in place, by moving them into an assembly position where their axis is angled, simplifying the process and enabling installation in low spaces without needing holder reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If distribution busbars are pushed in from the top of the control cabinet, then the busbars can be installed, but the room height must be at least twice as high as the control cabinet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accessibilityVSAvoidroom height requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is made dynamically tiltable between a vertical operating position and an inclined assembly position. This dynamic repositioning allows distribution busbars to be installed from the front when the holder is tilted, eliminating the need for excessive room height while maintaining installation accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the control cabinet is tipped over to install distribution busbars, then the busbars can be pushed in, but the process becomes complex due to the cabinet's weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusbar installationVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of tipping the entire control cabinet, only the holder is dynamically tilted to an inclined assembly position. This localized dynamic adjustment simplifies the installation process by allowing busbars to be pushed in from the front without moving the heavy cabinet structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is segmented from the main cabinet structure, allowing it to be independently tilted and repositioned. This segmentation enables the holder to be adjusted for busbar installation without affecting the entire cabinet, reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If distribution busbars are installed after main busbars are in place, then the installation sequence is flexible, but holders must be removed and reinstalled which requires great effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation sequence flexibilityVSAvoidholder reinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder's dynamic tilting capability allows distribution busbars to be installed from the front even when main busbars are already in place. The holder is tilted to an inclined assembly position, enabling busbar installation without removing holders, thus saving time and effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is pre-configured with a tilting mechanism that enables front access for busbar installation. This preliminary design feature eliminates the need for subsequent holder removal and reinstallation, allowing flexible installation sequences without time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Shape

If the holder axis is vertical in operating position, then the distribution busbars run vertically, but the holders cannot be accessed from the front for busbar installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusbar orientationVSAvoidholder accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed to be dynamically tiltable between a vertical operating position (where busbars run vertically) and an inclined assembly position (where holders are accessible from the front). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining vertical busbar orientation and enabling front access for installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3084903B1Framework for an electrical cabinet with pivotable holders for distribution busbars and manufacturing method for a cabinet
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP3084903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3084903B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3084903B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A frame (2) for a switchgear cabinet (1) which comprises a plurality of interconnected frame profiles (3...14) is specified. At least two holders (15...19) vertically spaced apart from one another and having cutouts (A) for distribution busbars (20) are arranged within the outer contour formed by the profiles (3...14). In an operating position, the holders (15...19) are oriented along a vertical axis. The at least two holders (15...19) are also movable, in particular rotatable, into a fitting position, however, in which said axis is at an angle to the vertical. Furthermore, a method for producing a switchgear cabinet (1) of the mentioned type is specified.