Pre-Mounted Enclosure Door Lock Assembly for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of lock assemblies in low and medium voltage electrical enclosures is complex, time-consuming, and increases the thickness of the door, limiting transport possibilities and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pre-mounted lock assembly with a containment profile and a mechanism comprising rods and guide elements, where the guide elements are rigidly connected to the profile using snap-fit means, allowing for easy installation outside the production line and without impacting the door's transportability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock assembly is installed using traditional screwing methods with cover profiles, then the lock assembly is securely fixed to the door, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into separate components (guide elements, rods, containment profile) that can be assembled independently and then quickly fixed to the door using simple snap-fit or screw connections, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements and rods are pre-assembled into the containment profile structure before installation on the door, so that when the lock assembly is mounted, the complex internal structure is already in place, requiring only simple attachment to the door itself
2Reliability
If the lock assembly is installed with cover profiles and safety stoppers, then the mechanism is protected and stabilized, but the number of components and installation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover profile and safety stopper functions are integrated into a single containment profile structure that houses and protects the mechanism components while providing structural stability, reducing the number of separate parts and installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The containment profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the guide elements and rods, provides structural support, protects the internal mechanism, and acts as the mounting interface to the door, eliminating the need for separate cover profiles and stoppers
3Ease of manufacture
If the lock assembly is installed on the door production line, then the door is complete when leaving the line, but the door thickness increases limiting transport possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism components (rods, guide elements) are nested within the containment profile structure, which itself is designed to fit within or flush with the door surface, minimizing the overall thickness protrusion while maintaining full functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pre-mounted lock assembly (1) for a door (2) of a low and medium voltage electrical cabinet. According to the invention, the pre-mounted lock assembly (1) comprises a containment profile (10) that develops along a main direction (101) defining a seat (15). A mechanism (20) is arranged in said seat (15). More precisely, said mechanism (20) comprises at least a rod (21, 22,23) and at least one guide element (41, 42, 43) for said rod (21, 22, 23). Said guide element (41, 42, 43) is rigidly connected to said profile (10). The pre-mounted lock assembly (1) also comprises fixing means (31) for fixing it to said door (2) following the connection of said at least one guide element (41, 42, 43) to said profile (10), wherein said fixing means (31) are arranged on said profile (10) and/or on said at least one guide element (41, 42, 43).