Switching Device Busbar Integration for Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching devices in power distribution systems require multiple components and complex installations due to separate connections for feed, load, and return currents, lacking an efficient method for current feedback and clear wiring configurations.

Innovation Solution

An electrical switching device with a common housing incorporating feed, load, and return connections, featuring coupling contacts for busbar integration, allowing for simplified and flexible power distribution system setup with reduced components and improved safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate connections are used for feed, load, and return currents in conventional switching devices, then the wiring flexibility is maintained, but the installation complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidwiring flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the feed connection, load connection, and return connection into a single integrated switching device housing. The feed connection (13) and return connection (36) are integrated into the same housing as the load connection (18), allowing all three connections to be established through a single installation unit rather than requiring separate devices for each connection type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the switching mechanism, houses the feed connection terminals, accommodates the load connection terminals, and integrates the return connection path. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining wiring flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple separate components are used for feed, load, and return connections, then wiring flexibility is maintained, but the number of components and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the feed connection (13), load connection (18), and return connection (36) into a single integrated switching device. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components that need to be installed, connected, and configured, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining the necessary wiring flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If signal terminals are used for current feedback, then existing switching devices can be utilized, but the current-carrying capacity is insufficient and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent feedback capabilityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the return connection function from the low-power signal terminals and establishes a dedicated return connection (36) with appropriate current-carrying capacity. The return connection includes a coupling contact (38) designed specifically for high-current feedback applications, separating this function from the low-power signal terminals to ensure safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated return connection path with coupling contacts that acts as an intermediary between the load circuit and the main power line. This intermediary structure is specifically designed to handle high currents safely, providing a reliable current feedback path that is electrically isolated from the low-power control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2156456B1Switching device
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBH
  • EP2156456B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2156456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2156456B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical switching device (1) that allows for a rational and simple structure of an electrical system, particularly a power distribution system. The switching device (1), particularly embodied in the form of a serial installation device, comprises a housing (2) and a switching unit (20) accommodated therein for interrupting an electrical circuit, a feed connection (13) for supplying a current to the switching unit (20), said feed connection having a first coupling contact (15) for contacting a current busbar (16), a load connection (18) for contacting a supply line (18c) of a load circuit (18b) with the switching unit (20), and a return connection (36) having a terminal clamp (37) for contacting the return line (36a) of the load circuit (18b) and a second coupling contact (38) connected to the terminal clamp (37) inside the housing for contacting a second current busbar (40).