Installation Box Locking Structure for Sealed Side-by-Side Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional installation sockets face challenges in easy assembly, effective sealing, and space efficiency due to limited connecting directions and separable wall areas, which complicates connections and sealing, especially when using soft-elastic seals.
Innovation Solution
The design features a tubular side wall with separable wall areas and a rest structure that allows for a perpendicular connecting direction, incorporating deformable seals and resting elements with specific distances and orientations to facilitate easy assembly and improved sealing without damaging soft-elastic seals during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If installation boxes are connected via connecting tunnels protruding laterally, then the connection surface is enlarged and sealing is improved, but the tunnels require larger gaps between side walls and provide limited through-opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lateral connecting tunnels to a longitudinal connection approach where installation boxes are connected in the axial direction of the tubular side wall. This dimensional change allows the connection to occur along the length of the tubular structure rather than requiring lateral protrusions, thereby reducing the gap requirements between side walls while maintaining connection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular side wall design serves multiple functions: it provides the structural boundary, enables longitudinal connection of installation boxes, and maintains sealing through its continuous structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connecting tunnels while achieving both connection and sealing objectives.
2Ease of operation
If locking structures are arranged on the outer side of the tubular side wall adjacent to removable wall sections, then operative connection is facilitated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is integrated directly into the tubular side wall structure itself, combining the connection function with the existing structural elements. This merging approach facilitates operative connection while avoiding the addition of separate, complex locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
3Volume of moving object
If the connection direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubular side wall, then space for positioning elements is maintained, but the connection requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs guiding elements that create an equipotential connection interface, where the connection direction is aligned with the axial direction of the tubular side wall. This alignment ensures that all connection points are at the same potential level, facilitating easy connection without requiring complex precise alignment, while still maintaining necessary space for positioning elements through the modular design.
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 enables easy assembly, enhances sealing by compressing the seal during connection, and maintains space for positioning elements, ensuring effective connections even at small distances between installation sockets.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable seal (11) can be arranged at least partially around the at least one detachable wall section (8). The seal is designed to be compressed in the connection direction when the locking structure (9) is operatively connected to the counter-locking structure (9') of the further installation box (1'), thus sealing the installation box (1) against the further operatively connected installation box (1')
Implementation Method 2
The locking structure (9) comprises a first and a second locking element (12, 13). The first locking element (12) has a first locking shoulder (14) and the second locking element (13) has a second locking shoulder (15). The first locking element (12) is designed to be operatively connected to a second locking element (13') of the counter-locking structure (9'), while the second locking element (13) is designed to be operatively connected to a first locking element (12') of the counter-locking structure (9')
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6d
AI summary
The present invention relates to an installation box (1) for electrical installations, the installation box (1) comprising a tubular side wall (2) extending in an axial direction (x) from a front end (3) to a rear end (4), which surrounds an installation space (5) accessible through an installation opening (6) on the front side, bordered by the tubular side wall (2). The installation box further comprises at least one wall section (8) arranged in the tubular side wall (2) and removable along a defined contour (7). A locking structure (9) for engaging a mating locking structure (9') of another installation box (1') is also arranged on an outer surface of the tubular side wall (2) from a connection direction.