Two-Part Cantilevered Housing for Flexible Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting electronic apparatus on electrical panels are laborious and expensive due to the need for boring square openings of varying sizes, which is complicated by the awkward geometry and the rigidity of electronic boards, making it difficult to standardize the housing size and shape.
Innovation Solution
A two-part housing design where the parts abut and tighten against opposite sides of the panel, allowing for flexible mounting regardless of the hole size or shape, with cantilevered shells and a fastening element to secure the assembly, enabling mounting on standard circular holes and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If square openings of various sizes are made in the panel wall to mount electronic apparatus, then the apparatus can be properly housed and supported, but the preparation operation becomes laborious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate parts: a first part that fits into the panel opening and a second part that receives the electronic apparatus. This segmentation allows the housing to be mounted on standard circular openings while accommodating apparatus with different sizes and shapes, eliminating the need to cut custom square openings for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for various apparatus configurations, seals the panel opening, and accommodates different apparatus sizes within the same housing design. This universal design allows a single housing type to replace multiple specialized housings.
2Reliability
If the box-shaped body is inserted into the square hole for support, then the apparatus is properly mounted, but the hole geometry is constrained to square shape
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the housing adapt to the panel opening shape, the solution inverts the approach by making the panel opening adapt to a standardized housing shape. The first housing part is designed with a circular cross-section that fits into standard circular openings, while the second part adapts to the specific apparatus geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a two-dimensional planar insertion (square box into square hole) to a three-dimensional cantilevered structure where the second part extends beyond the panel surface. This dimensional change allows the housing to be supported by the panel while providing external mounting surfaces for various apparatus configurations.
3Reliability
If electronic boards are made flat and rigid for circuit management, then the electronics function properly, but the housing cannot be constructed with circular cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two parts with different geometric optimizations: the first part has a circular cross-section for standard panel mounting, while the second part provides a larger internal volume with optimized geometry for accommodating flat electronic boards and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic boards and components are nested within the second housing part, which acts as a receptacle. The flat electronic boards are positioned horizontally within the larger internal volume of the second part, allowing the housing to maintain a circular cross-section at the panel interface while providing adequate space for rigid electronic components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A housing (10) of electronic apparatus mountable on a wall (W) of an electric panel or cabinet is described. To free the housing from the dimensions of the openings on the wall, it comprises two parts, (i) a front portion (40) and (ii) a hollow main body (20), which are separated and configured to be able to connect to one another being, when connected, on opposite sides of the panel or cabinet.