Surge Arrester Plug Contacts for Tool-Free Busbar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge arrester arrangements for low-voltage systems require screw terminals for assembly, complicating the installation process and potentially compromising the optimal protective effect, especially when integrating with busbar systems.
Innovation Solution
The surge arrester arrangement features nose-like plug contacts that deviate from the vertical, allowing for tool-free assembly by sliding into recesses in a feed adapter, eliminating the need for screw terminals and enabling a compact, direct plugging mechanism with integrated wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw terminals are used for assembly, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw terminal function from the connection mechanism and replaces it with a spring-loaded contact system. The spring contact elements are integrated into the housing, eliminating the need for separate screw terminals while maintaining reliable electrical connection through elastic contact force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contact elements automatically adjust to the conductor and provide self-centering through their elastic deformation. The spring mechanism self-regulates the contact pressure and position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or fastening operations that would otherwise be required with screw terminals.
2Strength
If screw terminals are used for assembly, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-fastening mechanical system with an elastic spring contact system. The spring elements provide mechanical connection through elastic deformation and contact pressure, eliminating the need for threading, tightening, and securing operations associated with screw terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contact elements are pre-loaded and positioned in the housing before installation. When the conductor is inserted, the springs automatically engage and provide secure mechanical connection without requiring any assembly operations on-site, thus reducing installation time.
3Reliability
If traditional connection adapters are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but space requirements and device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing structure with the connection function by integrating spring contact elements directly into the housing walls. This eliminates the need for separate connection adapters or terminal blocks, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, houses the surge protection components, and directly provides the electrical connection interface through integrated spring contacts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional connection components that would increase device volume.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a surge arrester arrangement 7 with several surge arresters located in a housing and internal wiring for the protection of low-voltage systems, wherein the housing has a bottom surface which has recesses through which a plurality of electrical plug contacts 6 are guided. According to the invention, the plug contacts extend at an angle deviating from the perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and are shaped like lugs. The respective plug contacts are identical for each surge arrester arrangement type.