Rotational Circuit Interconnect Attaching Apparatus for Bus Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for installing and removing circuit breakers from bus bars in panelboards or switchboards are not versatile, are difficult to install and remove, and do not provide secure holding.

Innovation Solution

A circuit interconnect attaching apparatus with a body that couples to a circuit interconnect device, featuring frame connectors, tab portions for fasteners, and bus connectors that can connect or disconnect from bus bars through rotational motion, along with a universal frame rail assembly for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing mechanisms are used for installing circuit breakers to bus bars, then connection is provided in limited configurations, but the mechanisms are difficult and time consuming to install and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection configurationsVSAvoidinstallation and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching apparatus employs a rotational body that transitions between locked and unlocked positions, enabling dynamic adaptation to different installation configurations. The body rotates to engage or disengage bus connectors from bus bars, providing versatility in connection orientations while maintaining ease of operation through a single rotational motion rather than multiple manual steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attaching apparatus is designed with multiple bus connectors and frame connectors that can accommodate various circuit interconnect devices and bus bar configurations. The universal design allows the same apparatus to handle different device types (circuit breakers, switches, monitors) and connection orientations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing mechanisms are used for installing circuit breakers to bus bars, then connection is provided in limited configurations, but they are not securely held in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection configurationsVSAvoidsecure holding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: frame connectors for structural attachment, a rotational body for connection control, and bus connectors for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both versatility in configurations and secure holding through the locked position of the rotational body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed so that the rotational body is preliminarily positioned to engage bus connectors with bus bars in the desired configuration before final locking occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and secure holding is achieved automatically as part of the installation process, rather than requiring separate securing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotational motion mechanism is added to enable connection and disconnection, then versatility of installation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation orientationsVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational body merges multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the structural framework, the connection control mechanism, and the interface for bus connectors. By combining these functions that could have been separate components, the apparatus achieves versatile installation orientations without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational body is designed to self-lock into position through its own structural features when rotated to the correct orientation, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The bus connectors also self-align and engage with bus bars through the rotational motion, reducing the need for additional adjustment or securing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9117614B2Circuit interconnect attaching apparatus, attaching assemblies, and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

A circuit interconnect attaching apparatus is disclosed. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus has a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, the body having a first end and a second end, one or more frame connector coupled to the first end of the body, at least one tab portion positioned on an outer surface of the second end of the body, wherein the at least one tab portion for accepting at least one fastener member, and one or more bus connector configured to connect to or disconnect from one or more bus bar that is responsive to rotation of the circuit interconnect device. The circuit interconnect attaching assemblies having the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bar are disclosed, as are other aspects.