Table-top or equipment-top connection compartment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing desktop or device panel connection panels require a deep installation space for 180° rotation and complex constructions to enable pivoting or rotating movements, which is not feasible in limited spaces like household appliance areas, and they lack effective protection against liquid ingress.

Innovation Solution

A connection panel design with a sliding or turning mechanism that allows the socket insert to protrude without rotating or pivoting, using a cantilevered cover and guide elements to ensure slots are elevated and protected from liquids, reducing installation depth and eliminating the need for complex hinge constructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the socket insert is designed to rotate 180° for opening/closing, then the connection panel can be accessed, but the installation depth becomes too large for limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to socketsVSAvoidinstallation depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the socket insert to open/close the connection panel as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the approach by having the cover slide horizontally to reveal or cover the sockets. The socket insert remains stationary while the cover moves back and forth, eliminating the need for deep installation space required by rotating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection panel is divided into separate functional components: a stationary socket insert and a movable cover. This segmentation allows the cover to perform the opening/closing function through horizontal sliding while the socket insert remains fixed, reducing the overall installation depth compared to integrated rotating designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a complex hinge mechanism is used to enable pivoting movement, then the socket insert can be accessed, but the construction becomes too complex for simple installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to socketsVSAvoidpivoting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a hinge mechanism to pivot the socket insert, this invention inverts the approach by making the cover movable while keeping the socket insert stationary. This eliminates the need for complex hinge mechanisms and their associated mounting requirements, simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex hinge mechanism is extracted from the design entirely. Instead of using a pivoting socket insert with hinges, the invention extracts the movement function and applies it only to the cover, leaving the socket insert simple and stationary, thereby eliminating the need for complex pivoting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the socket insert is raised above the collar, then protection against liquid ingress is achieved, but the installation depth increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid protectionVSAvoidinstallation depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of raising the socket insert above the collar as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the approach by keeping the socket insert level with or below the collar and providing liquid protection through the removable cover that seals over the sockets when closed, eliminating the need for elevated installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable cover acts as an intermediary element that provides liquid protection without requiring the socket insert to be raised. When the cover is closed, it seals over the sockets, creating a protective barrier against liquid ingress while maintaining a low installation profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a removable cover is used instead of rotation, then the mechanism is simplified, but the protection against liquid ingress must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidliquid protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is extracted and assigned to the removable cover rather than relying on the socket insert's position or rotation. The cover is designed to seal over the sockets when closed, providing liquid protection through its sealing engagement with the housing, while the socket insert remains simple and stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3673543B1Table-top or equipment-top connection compartment

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 SCHULTE ELEKTROTECH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a table-top or equipment-top connection compartment for mains voltage connections and/or for data connections, having a housing (1) provided with a collar (3), wherein a socket insert (2) with plug-in points (5) is provided, said socket insert (2) being arranged movably in the housing (1). The housing (1) comprises a first guide (4) and the socket insert (2) comprises a second guide (6). A cover (7) is provided, which is connected in a form-fitting manner to the first guide (4) and the second guide (6) such that a movement of the cover (7) relative to the housing (1) results in a vertical and linear movement and an emergence of the socket insert (2) out of the housing (1).