Pivoting Busbar Connection System for Switchgear Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of busbar systems in switchgear is hindered and becomes expensive due to misplaced or lost parts when transported as separate segments, leading to difficulties in assembly.

Innovation Solution

A busbar connection system comprising a mounting component, a retaining component, and a connecting member with a pivot member that allows the connecting member to pivot, enabling secure coupling of busbar segments during assembly and transportation, ensuring all necessary parts are accounted for and easily assembled at the installation site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If busbar segments are transported as separate parts, then flexibility in transportation is improved, but parts may become misplaced or lost and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation flexibilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The busbar system is divided into multiple segments that can be transported separately, yet each segment includes integrated mounting and retaining components that ensure proper assembly at the installation site, preventing parts from becoming misplaced or lost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting member serves as an intermediary component between busbar segments, featuring a pivot member that enables controlled movement during assembly while ensuring proper alignment and connection between segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If busbar segments are transported independently, then transportation logistics are simplified, but installation costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation logisticsVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Mounting components and retaining components are pre-assembled with busbar segments during manufacturing, so that when segments arrive at the installation site, the necessary assembly hardware is already in place, reducing on-site installation complexity and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If connecting member is rigidly fixed, then structural stability is improved, but assembly alignment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member incorporates a pivot member that allows controlled movement and adjustment during assembly, enabling technicians to align busbar segments properly before securing the connection, while the final assembled structure maintains structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8717741B2Busbar connection system, switchgear unit, and method of transporting switchgear components

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A busbar connection system for coupling a first busbar segment to a second busbar segment includes a mounting component defining a slot and configured to be coupled to the first busbar segment, a retaining component configured to be coupled to the second busbar segment, and a connecting member including a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is configured to be coupled to the mounting component and the second end is configured to be coupled to the retaining component. The busbar connection system also includes a pivot member configured to be operatively coupled to the first end and shaped to be received within the slot. The pivot member enables the connecting member to pivot about the mounting component.