District Heating Cabinet Lock Bolt for Tool-Free Frame Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing district heating system cabinets require the use of tools like screwdrivers or wrenches to release the cabinet frame from the back plate, making maintenance access difficult and increasing the risk of losing screws or nuts during removal.

Innovation Solution

A district heating system cabinet with a movable lock bolt that can be activated by hand without tools, allowing for easier access to maintenance components by locking and unlocking the cabinet frame from the back plate using a key-operated door lock and a rotatable or sliding lock bolt mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If screw connections are used to attach the cabinet frame to the back plate, then the cabinet frame can be securely mounted, but tools are required for release and screws can be dropped during maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of frame removalVSAvoidtool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw connection system with a lock bolt mechanism that can be operated by hand without tools. The lock bolt engages with the cabinet frame and back plate through a simple insertion and rotation motion, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or wrenches during installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the screw connection system and implements it through a dedicated lock bolt mechanism. This separate, purpose-built component is specifically designed for tool-free operation, removing the complexity of traditional screw fastening while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If screw connections are used to attach the cabinet frame to the back plate, then the cabinet frame can be securely mounted, but screws or nuts can be easily dropped and difficult to find during maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidloss of fastening components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lock bolt mechanism replaces the multi-component screw and nut system with a single integrated fastening element. This eliminates the possibility of losing separate fastening components during maintenance, as the lock bolt is a self-contained unit that remains attached to either the frame or back plate throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a special key is required to open the cabinet door, then unauthorized access is prevented, but additional locking steps are required for frame removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidoperational steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the door locking function and the frame fastening function into a single integrated lock bolt mechanism. The same key-operated lock bolt that secures the cabinet door also secures the cabinet frame to the back plate, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing the total number of steps required for secure access control and frame removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4411256A1A district heating system cabinet with a locking mechanism, and a lock bolt for such locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 FRESE AS
  • EP4411256A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4411256A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4411256A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A district heating system cabinet for being mounted on a building wall comprises a locking mechanism comprising a movable lock bolt mounted on a back plate inside the cabinet spacing, the movable lock bolt being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock bolt in the locked position locking the cabinet frame to the back plate, the lock bolt in the unlocked position releasing a cabinet frame from the back plate so that the cabinet frame can be removed from the back plate. A lock bolt for a locking mechanism for locking a cabinet frame of a district heating system cabinet to a back plate of the district heating system cabinet is also disclosed.