Closed Chamber Module Assembly With Overlapping Cable-Sealed Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical installation systems in industrial settings face inefficiencies in production and installation due to the need for numerous screw connections, which increases time and complexity, and there is a challenge in ensuring the permanent functionality and safety of these connections.

Innovation Solution

A closed system of interconnected chamber modules with polygonal shapes, featuring lowered overlapping edges and vertical through holes for fasteners, eliminating the need for threaded holes and incorporating resilient grommets for cable protection, uses screws and nuts for connection and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections with threaded holes are used to connect modules, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the threading operation from the module housing and relocates it to separate connection elements (screws and nuts). The module housing itself becomes simpler without threaded holes, while the connection functionality is provided by external fasteners that have the threading feature. This separation reduces manufacturing complexity of the main module while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces connection elements (screws and nuts) as intermediary components between modules. These intermediaries provide the threading and fastening function without requiring the module housing to have complex threaded holes. The lowered edges serve as positioning intermediaries that guide the connection elements into proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple screw connections are used to ensure permanent functionality, then operational reliability is improved, but assembly time and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates lowered edges on the module housing that serve as pre-positioning features. These lowered edges are formed during module manufacturing, so that during assembly, the connection elements automatically align and engage with the lowered edges without requiring complex alignment procedures. This preliminary positioning action significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If threaded holes are provided in module housings for connections, then connection functionality is improved, but manufacturing simplicity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the threading feature from the module housing and places it only in the separate connection elements (screws and nuts). The module housing is manufactured without threaded holes, simplifying the manufacturing process. The threading functionality is extracted and embodied in the connection elements that are manufactured separately and assembled later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If lowered overlapping edges are used for module connection, then assembly simplicity is improved, but connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the lowered edges: they serve as positioning features, alignment guides, and structural support elements. The lowered edges are integrated into the module housing design and work together with the connection elements (screws and nuts) to provide both simple assembly and strong mechanical connection. The overlapping configuration of lowered edges from adjacent modules creates a distributed strength system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of electrical installation systems, enhances operational reliability, and ensures safety by reducing the complexity of screw connections while protecting cables from damage.

Implementation Method 1

the grommet is made of a resilient material, thereby sealing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient material sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3847874B1A closed system for placing installations, especially electrical ones
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 ATHEX TECH SRO
  • EP3847874B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3847874B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The closed system for placing installations is formed by interconnected chamber modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of a rectangular top view, In the connection area, the adjacent modules (1,2,3,4,5) are provided with lowered edges which overlap, and in the overlap area vertical through holes (9) are provided for module (1,2,3,4,5) fasteners. The fasteners consist of screws (11) and nuts (12). The lowered edges are provided in the horizontal abutting surfaces with horizontal coaxial passages (10). These passages (10) connect the chambers (6) of adjacent modules (1,2,3,4,5) and cables pass through them. The passages (10) are provided with a sealing grommet (13) which is made of a resilient material. The chamber modules (1,2,3,4,5) consist of two caps (7, 8) attached to each other.