Hydraulic module with a front, multiposition and disconnectable electrical enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating devices face challenges with electrical box accessibility for maintenance, as they are either too large for constrained spaces or have fragile hinges that break under external stresses, hindering technician operation and requiring frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic module with an electrical box fixed to the module body via a hinge system that allows rotation between functional and maintenance positions, disengaging under a predetermined torque to prevent breakage and provide additional flexibility, including a disengaged position for enhanced accessibility and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electrical box is made detachable or mobile to improve accessibility for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to fragile hinges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of electrical boxVSAvoidrobustness of hinge system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to remain engaged during normal operation and only disengage when subjected to excessive torque. This enables the electrical box to be mobile for maintenance while protected during normal use, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge system's engagement state changes based on torque parameters. Under normal operating conditions, the hinge remains engaged providing structural integrity. When excessive force is applied, the torque exceeds the threshold and causes disengagement, preventing damage to the hinge while allowing the electrical box to be moved for maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the electrical box is positioned at the front for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but it hinders technician intervention when tilted forward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of electrical boxVSAvoidhindrance to technician operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system allows the electrical box to be dynamically repositioned from the front functional position to a maintenance position that does not hinder technician intervention. The box can be tilted or rotated as needed while remaining connected, eliminating the harm of fixed positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If lateral clearance space is provided for the electrical box, then ease of operation is improved, but the product requires larger installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of electrical boxVSAvoidinstallation space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical box is integrated into the module body through the hinge system, allowing it to be nested within the overall structure when not in use. The box can be positioned within the module's footprint while still providing accessibility, eliminating the need for additional lateral clearance space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4481296A1Hydraulic module with a front, multiposition and disconnectable electrical enclosure
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SOCI IND DE CHAUFFAGE SIC
  • EP4481296A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4481296A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4481296A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic module (15) comprising an electrical box (35) movable in rotation relative to a module body (17) between: - a first position in which the electrical box (35) is arranged across a front access opening (56) to close the interior space (54), - a second position in which the electrical box (35) is out of the front access opening (56) so as to allow access to a rear face of the electrical box (35), in which the hinge system (60) is configured to disengage the electrical box (35) from the second position to a disengaged position when the hinge system (60) is subjected to a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined disengage torque value.