Foldable Base Plate for Cable Distribution Cabinets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control cabinets face challenges in efficiently routing and sealing cables, especially in cramped conditions, and require high effort for maintenance and expansion due to the rigidity of cables and complex assembly processes, leading to prolonged shutdowns and damage risks from vehicle impacts.

Innovation Solution

A foldable base plate design with elastic sealing blocks and quick-release fasteners allows for easy cable routing and maintenance without disassembling the distribution room components, enabling quick installation and expansion by folding the plate parts and using guide rods and press bars for secure sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the base plate is made rigid and firmly attached to the frame, then the structural stability and protection against damage is improved, but the effort and time required for maintenance and replacement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is divided into multiple plate parts that can be independently removed or folded away. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access cable passages without removing the entire base plate or lifting the control cabinet, significantly reducing maintenance effort while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate incorporates foldable plate parts that can be dynamically adjusted between a closed position (providing structural stability and protection) and an open position (allowing cable access for maintenance). This dynamic capability enables the base plate to adapt to different operational states, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If thick underground cables are routed through the base plate in the front area, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of installation and space requirements increase due to cable rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable plate parts provide additional spatial dimension and maneuvering room below the base plate. This extra space allows thick, rigid underground cables to be routed and connected without requiring complex installation procedures, as the foldable sections create sufficient clearance for cable bending and connection work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the base plate is designed as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the time required for cable installation and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcable installation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is segmented into multiple plate parts that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. While this increases manufacturing steps slightly, it enables rapid cable installation and maintenance by allowing plate parts to be folded away for cable access without requiring complete disassembly, ultimately reducing total installation and maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If cable passages are provided in the base plate for underground cables, then cable routing capability is improved, but the risk of moisture penetration into the distribution room increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing capabilityVSAvoidmoisture penetration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing blocks are introduced as intermediary elements in the cable passages. These sealing blocks create a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating through the cable passages into the distribution room, while still allowing cables to pass through. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction between cable routing capability and moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design simplifies cable distribution and maintenance, reduces downtime, and facilitates repairs and expansions by allowing cables to be routed without disconnection, while providing effective moisture sealing and easy assembly, even in constrained spaces.

Implementation Method 1

sealing the opening around the cables of sealing blocks made of an elastic material, in particular foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2272142B1Electrical cabinet with a bottom plate

Publication Date: 2014.05.07 BERTHOLD SICHERT GMBH

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a base plate (2) in a cable distribution cabinet. The base plate (2) is divided into two. The rear half (2b) can be folded down and the other half (2b) can also be inserted from the direction of the lower base chamber (3). The base plate (2) is sealed from the cables (15) with the help of sealing blocks (5) of a closed-cell foam and not by means of rubber grommets. The sealing blocks (5) have a height of several centimeters and, with that, a high sealing length. Any shifting of the sealing blocks (5) is prevented by threading them on guide rods (14).