Modular Electrical Cabinet Wall Sections for Flexible Compartment Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch cabinet arrangements face challenges in achieving variable room divisions within the cabinet with simple assembly options and efficient power supply connections, particularly in low-voltage systems, due to expensive connecting rails and difficulties in subdividing horizontally.

Innovation Solution

The use of side wall sections, rear wall sections designed as mounting plates, and horizontal room divider floors, adapted to the same or different sub-space heights, allows for modular and flexible room divisions with simple conversion options, along with partial doors and U-shaped cross-sections for sealing, enabling adaptable and secure compartment arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If connecting rails are used to divide switch cabinet compartments, then assembly options are provided, but the cost becomes relatively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly optionsVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive connecting rails with inexpensive sheet metal wall sections that can be easily cut and assembled. These wall sections serve as disposable-like components that are simple to manufacture and install, eliminating the need for costly specialized connecting rails while maintaining assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the switch cabinet into modular compartments using separate wall sections that can be independently assembled. This segmentation approach allows flexible configuration of compartments without requiring expensive integrated connecting rails, as each wall section can be individually positioned and secured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If vertical partitions are used to divide the switch cabinet interior, then separation into functional spaces is achieved, but horizontal subdivision becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation into functional spacesVSAvoidhorizontal subdivision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal wall sections that can function as both vertical partitions and horizontal dividers. These multi-functional wall sections can be oriented and assembled in different configurations, allowing the same component type to create both vertical and horizontal subdivisions, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic assembly system where wall sections can be easily repositioned and reconfigured. The modular design allows horizontal and vertical subdivisions to be adjusted by simply relocating wall sections, transforming a static partition structure into a flexible, adaptable configuration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular wall sections are used for room division, then flexible layout options are provided, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible layout optionsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into single wall section components. Each wall section integrates structural support, partitioning, and mounting capabilities, eliminating the need for separate assembling of multiple specialized parts. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining flexible layout options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs wall sections with pre-integrated mounting features and standardized dimensions that facilitate straightforward assembly. The preliminary design of these components includes built-in attachment points and uniform interfaces, allowing workers to quickly assemble various configurations without complex alignment or customization procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2100352B1Electrical cabinet arrangement
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2100352B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2100352B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP2100352B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a control box arrangement comprising at least one control box (2, 3, 4) which is sub-divided, or can be sub-divided, by vertical wall sections with a horizontal sub-division, into a plurality of cuboid compartments surrounded on all sides. A variable structural design of compartments, especially functional compartments, for example for low voltage systems, is obtained by providing wall sections consisting of lateral wall sections adapted to the same or different compartment heights, adapted rear wall sections embodied as mounting plates (40), and horizontal partition bottoms (30), in order to produce a plurality of horizontal compartments, in the form of pigeonholes (5), arranged one above the other.