Cabinet Structure With Truncated-Cone Joining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinet structures for electrical materials face complexity and cost issues in manufacturing due to intricate interconnecting means, and these structures often allow for minimal relative movement between elements despite attempts to prevent it.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet structure comprising elongated posts and crossbeams connected using a base element with a hollow portion and a joining element with a truncated-cone shape, ensuring tight coupling and preventing relative displacement through precise alignment and threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional interconnecting means with centering pins and flanges are used, then the structure can be assembled, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnecting means is divided into two separate components: a base element that connects to crossbeams and a hollow element that connects to posts. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler processes, eliminating the need for complex integrated designs with multiple flanges and centering pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is inserted inside the hollow element, creating a nested configuration. The inserting portion of the base element fits within the hollow element's cavity, and both are secured through aligned bores. This nesting approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If centering pins are used to position elements, then assembly is enabled, but relative movement between elements cannot be fully prevented due to clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element features a truncated-cone shaped portion with a curved surface that occludes the bores. This curved geometry provides continuous contact and prevents relative movement between the base element and hollow element, eliminating the clearance issues associated with cylindrical centering pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining element includes a threaded portion that allows for adjustable tightening. By changing the engagement parameter through threading, the connection between elements can be made progressively tighter, ensuring no relative movement occurs while maintaining coupling stability.
3Strength
If multiple flanges and threaded bodies are used for tight coupling, then structural integrity is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural strength through its truncated-cone shape, enables tight coupling through threading, and secures the connection by occluding the bores. This merging eliminates the need for separate flanges, centering pins, and fasteners, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining coupling strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for a cabinet containing electrical materials is disclosed having posts, crossbeams and connecting means. The connecting means are adapted to join one to another at least two crossbeams and one post, and including a base element and a hollow element which is provided with a substantially axial opening. The base element is constrained to the crossbeams and has an inserting portion adapted to be inserted inside the hollow element. Conversely, the hollow element is adapted to be constrained to the post. In particular, the hollow element, the post and the inserting portion are each provided with a bore, the bores being alignable one to another in operative conditions. A joining element provided with a truncated—cone shaped portion is adapted to pass in each of the bores when they are aligned, so that to constrain one to another the hollow element, the post and the inserting portion.