Distribution Cabinet Plug-In Assembly for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributor cabinets for sanitary and heating installations face challenges in assembly requiring tools, material waste, and logistical inefficiencies due to pre-assembled components and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A distribution cabinet design featuring a plug-in connection system with hook parts and openings on the rear wall, side parts, and top wall, allowing for tool-free assembly and flat packaging, minimizing material waste and production costs by using individually manufactured components and a spring clip mechanism for easy assembly in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the box-shaped housing is delivered pre-assembled, then assembly is simplified, but a large amount of space is required logistically
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separate components (rear wall, side walls, top wall) that can be stored flat and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for large logistical space while maintaining easy assembly through the tab-and-eyelet connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The housing components are designed to be stored in a flat, two-dimensional configuration and then assembled into a three-dimensional structure, allowing compact storage while achieving the desired assembled form when needed
2Strength
If tools are required for assembly, then connection strength is improved, but material costs and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tab-and-eyelet connection system enables the housing components to be assembled together without external tools or additional fasteners, as the tabs themselves provide both the connection interface and the structural strength through their deformation into the eyelets
Solution Approach 2:
The tab acts as an intermediary element that connects the housing walls to each other, providing a mechanical interface that eliminates the need for separate fasteners or tools while maintaining connection integrity
3Productivity
If one-piece connection is used for flat storage, then logistical efficiency is improved, but material waste increases due to punching
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into separate components that are connected through deformation rather than punching, allowing flat storage configuration while eliminating material waste associated with punching out one-piece structures
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
Enables assembly without tools, reduces material waste, and facilitates logistical efficiency by allowing flat storage and assembly in confined spaces, while maintaining low production costs and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The hook parts, which are generally designed as flat hooks, form a spring clip with the metal sheet in the area of the side of the metal sheet that faces the hook parts
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution cabinet for sanitary and/or heating installations in buildings. Such a distribution cabinet comprises a body with a back panel (1), an upper wall (2), and two side panels (3a, 3b), preferably each made of sheet metal. The distribution cabinet further comprises a pipe deflection rail (4) arranged in the lower region of the body and connectable to the side panels (3a, 3b), and inside the cabinet an upper guide rail (15) and a lower guide rail (16) for mounting rails (6). Corresponding tabs (13a, 13b) are formed on the end faces of the upper wall (2) and on the end faces of the side panels (3a, 3b) abutting the upper wall (2), wherein the tabs (13a) on one of the abutting end faces are wider than the tabs (13b) on the other abutting end faces.The wider tabs (13a) have eyelets (14) for inserting the narrower tabs (13b). According to the invention, the rear wall (1) of such a distribution cabinet is joined to the side panels (3a, 3b) and the upper wall (2) by means of plug-in connectors in a force-fit and form-fit manner. The plug-in connectors consist of several hook parts (17, 18) punched out of the rear wall (1) and/or at the bends of the side panels (3a, 3b) and the upper wall (2) and bent from a sheet metal surface. Correspondingly, there are several openings (19) arranged at the bends of the side panels (3a, 3b) and the upper wall (2) or the rear wall (1). The hook parts (17, 18) form a spring clamp with the sheet metal from which they are bent.