External Cabinet Edge Connection System for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch cabinet connection methods are complex and unwieldy due to limited space, making it difficult to assemble multiple cabinets efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A cabinet connection system featuring elongate housing edge connection strips and a connecting element that can be mounted externally, allowing for easy and stable connection of switch, meter, or distribution cabinets both horizontally and vertically, with optional recesses and latching devices for secure alignment and fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional control cabinet connections are made from the inside using screw or clamp connections, then a secure connection is achieved, but the assembly becomes very complex and cumbersome due to limited space inside the cabinet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional connection approach by moving the connection operation from the inside of the cabinet to the outside. Instead of reaching into the limited internal space to perform screw or clamp connections, the connecting element is applied externally to the cabinet edges, allowing assembly from the outside while maintaining connection security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connecting element as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between two cabinets. This connecting element acts as a mediator that simplifies the assembly process by providing a standardized interface that can be easily attached to cabinet edges, reducing the complexity of direct cabinet-to-cabinet connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional connections are made from the inside of the cabinet, then a stable connection is achieved, but the available assembly space is excessively limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection operation from the cabinet interior space and relocates it to the exterior. By taking out the connecting element and applying it to the outside of the cabinet edges, the limited internal assembly space is preserved while connection stability is maintained through the external connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple cabinets are connected using internal connection methods, then a permanent join is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermanent connectionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the connection approach to enable faster assembly. By performing the connection from the outside rather than the inside, workers can more easily access and manipulate the connecting elements, significantly improving assembly speed while still achieving permanent connections between cabinets.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the connection process by moving it to the external surface of the cabinets. This parameter change allows for better accessibility, easier manipulation of connecting elements, and improved assembly efficiency while maintaining the permanence and reliability of the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3171468B1Cabinet arrangement and cabinet connection system
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3171468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3171468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cabinet connection system (1a-1e) for the mechanical connection of at least two cabinets, in particular control cabinets (2a-2e, 4a-4e) and/or meter cabinets and/or distribution cabinets, is characterized, with regard to the task of providing a cabinet connection system by which cabinets can be more easily aligned and mounted, by at least one first elongated housing edge connecting strip (6a-6e) which is provided to be connected inwards to at least one edge (8a) of at least one wall (10a-10d) of the first cabinet (2a-2e), at least one second elongated housing edge connecting strip (12a-12e) which is provided to be connected inwards to at least one edge (14a) of at least one wall (16a-16d) of the second cabinet (4a-4e), and at least one elongated connecting element (20a-20c) which is provided to be connected to the Housing edge connecting strips (6a-6e,12a-12e) to be releasably connected from the outside, so that a connection between the respective switch and/or meter and/or distribution cabinets (2a-2e, 4a-4e) is effected.