Adjustable Lift Assembly for Electronics Panel Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single operator to change the orientation of large or heavy panels with control modules from horizontal to vertical for installation in control cabinets without adding lift components or affecting the functionality of the control modules.
Innovation Solution
A lift assembly with adjustable arms and an actuation system that engages multi-purpose features on the electronics panel, such as recesses or edges, to securely lift and rotate the panel from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, accommodating various panel widths and weights without interacting with internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single operator attempts to change the orientation of large or heavy panels from horizontal to vertical, then the operator can perform the installation task, but the operator cannot do so without adding lift components or affecting control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-purpose features on the panel edges serve dual functions: they are used both for mounting control modules and for engaging with the lift assembly during orientation changes. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated lift features, allowing a single operator to reorient panels without adding complex lift components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift assembly acts as an intermediary tool that engages with the existing multi-purpose features on the panel edges. This mediator enables the orientation change operation without requiring direct manipulation of the panel itself or modification of the control modules, allowing one operator to perform the task safely.
2Ease of manufacture
If the panel is lifted without adding lift components, then the panel geometry and control module functionality are preserved, but the lifting operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the lift assembly to engage with existing multi-purpose features on the panel edges, the system preserves the original panel geometry and control module functionality while still enabling the lifting operation. The existing features are reused for a new purpose without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel's own existing multi-purpose features are utilized to enable the lifting operation, rather than requiring external addition of lift components. The panel essentially serves itself by providing the engagement points needed for reorientation without external modification.
3Reliability
If the panel is lifted without affecting control modules, then the functionality of control modules is maintained, but the lifting operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly serves as an intermediary that engages with the panel edges through multi-purpose features, allowing the lifting operation to be performed without directly affecting or interfering with the control modules. This mediator approach maintains control module functionality while enabling the required orientation change.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting operation is segmented from the control module assembly process. By engaging the panel at dedicated edge locations through the multi-purpose features, the lift assembly isolates the lifting operation from the control modules, allowing them to be handled independently without interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a lift member configured to removably couple with a lifting device and a support member coupled to the lift member. The support member includes a first arm having a first end portion configured to removably engage a first section of an electronics panel, and a second arm having a second end portion offset by an arm distance from the first end portion. The second end portion is configured to selectively move to adjust the arm distance to removably engage a second section of the electronics panel opposite to the first section. The first and second end portions are configured to engage the electronics panel in a first orientation, to support the electronics panel during a transition to a second orientation, and to disengage the electronics panel in the second orientation.