Hook Rod Coupling for Medium-Voltage Cubicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling medium-voltage electrical cells in electrical panels are difficult to implement in inaccessible areas, prone to errors, and lack ease of assembly, leading to reliability and efficiency issues during panel layout.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a rod mechanically connected to hooks and slots on uprights or beams, allowing for secure multi-point fixing without screws, enabling stiffening and resistance to internal arcs and earthquakes, and featuring a mechanical actuator for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening means (screws or rivets) are used to couple uprights, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but the assembly becomes difficult to implement in manually inaccessible places and increases the risk of forgetting fasteners during panel layout
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables itself to be installed without requiring manual fastening operations. The rod with hooks automatically engages with the uprights through gravity and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for workers to manually install screws or rivets in inaccessible locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, rivets requiring manual installation) with an elastic mechanical coupling system. The rod deforms elastically to engage hooks with uprights, substituting complex manual fastening operations with a simple elastic engagement mechanism.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to ensure mechanical strength, then coupling reliability improves, but assembly time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fastening functions into a single rod component. Instead of installing multiple separate fasteners at different locations, one rod integrates multiple hooks that simultaneously engage multiple uprights, reducing assembly time while maintaining mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical coupling, ensures proper alignment, and engages multiple uprights in a single operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening operations for each upright.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then coupling is achieved, but the structure may deform under internal arc conditions reducing tightness of cells
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed to be dynamically deformable within elastic limits. During normal operation and internal arc events, the rod flexes to absorb thermal expansion and mechanical stresses, then returns to its original shape, maintaining continuous coupling and preventing structure deformation that would compromise cell tightness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a rod that is connected mechanically in multiple points along its length to a set of fixing units or click-and-ratchet work or hooks. The set of fixing units is intended to cooperate respectively with complementary fixing units pertaining to posts (28, 29, 32, 33). Each of the former fixing unit and the complementary fixing unit comprises an opening that is ready to receive the hook. The hooks are introduced in the corresponding openings. The rod is axially moved so as to carry out solidarization and rigidification processes. An independent claim is also included for an electric control panel.