Adjustable Rail Support for Modular Electrical Distribution Cabinets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution boxes face challenges in easily adjusting the spacing of mounting rails to accommodate different sizes and configurations of modular electrical equipment, particularly when the base is fixed to a vertical wall, as existing solutions are complex and difficult to implement due to lack of space.

Innovation Solution

A rail support system with sliding means on the base of the distribution box, featuring longitudinal ribs and markings for positioning, allows for easy adjustment of rail spacing without disassembly, enabling flexible mounting of rails to match the dimensions of modular equipment, and includes closing caps for secure sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If supports are fixed by screws or clips on the bottom of the base, then the mounting structure is stable, but the spacing of parallel rows cannot be easily modified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing adjustmentVSAvoidsupport repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support transitions from a fixed state (screwed or clipped) to a movable state by introducing a sliding mechanism. The support can be freely positioned along the groove and fixed at any desired location, combining the stability of fixed mounting with the flexibility of adjustable spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base is segmented by introducing a groove that allows the support to be divided into movable and fixed components. The support itself is segmented into a sliding portion and a fixing portion, enabling independent adjustment and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a slide is threaded into a groove on the base to enable movement, then repositioning is possible, but the implementation becomes complex and difficult when the base is fixed to a vertical wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport movabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of threading the support through the groove from the outside (which requires space), the groove is designed to receive the support from the inside or allow insertion without threading. The support slides into the groove and can be secured by deformation or locking mechanisms that do not require external threading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The support performs its own positioning and securing functions through the sliding and fixing mechanism. The support can be easily inserted into the groove and secured by simple deformation or locking actions, eliminating the need for complex threading operations and external tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supports are used to accommodate different equipment sizes, then adaptability improves, but the number of components and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of supports
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each support is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different equipment sizes and configurations. By adjusting the position of each support along the groove, the same support can serve multiple functions for different module widths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized supports.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1816715B1Support of a mounting rail for modular electrical devices and distribution cabinet comprising such support
Publication Date: 2013.08.14 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP1816715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1816715B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP1816715B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The support has assembling units for assembling modular electrical apparatus on bottom of flat base of an electrical distribution box or panel. The assembling units have sliding units constituted of a groove (110) which is adapted to slide on a rib provided on the bottom of the base. The assembling units have elongated transversal opening for the passage of a threaded body of a fixation screw threaded in the bottom of the base.