Insulating Frame for Meter Cabinet Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for meter and distribution cabinets made of sheet metal lack a solution that effectively insulates and mechanically connects the cabinets while allowing for easy disconnection and cable routing without compromising electrical insulation.
Innovation Solution
An insulating frame with outwardly protruding attachment features, including feedthrough openings for connecting elements like threaded bolts, which also serves to mechanically connect the cabinets by filling the cavity between side walls and providing a breaking point for separation, allowing for secure clamping and rotationally fixed attachment of connecting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating frame is inserted into side wall openings to shield electrical edges, then electrical insulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulating frame with coupling devices into a single integrated component. The insulating frame is provided with outwardly protruding attachments that include feedthrough openings for connecting elements, merging the electrical insulation function with the mechanical coupling function into one unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating frame is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation for the side wall openings, acts as a structural coupling element between cabinets, and incorporates attachment features for connecting elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulating and coupling components, resolving the contradiction between insulation effectiveness and device complexity
2Strength
If separate coupling devices are added to the insulating frame, then mechanical connection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices are integrally formed with or attached to the insulating frame as a unified structure. The outwardly protruding attachments with feedthrough openings are part of the insulating frame assembly, allowing mechanical connection functionality to be embedded within the insulating component itself, thereby improving mechanical connection strength without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an insulating frame for meter and/or distribution cabinets, which can be inserted into mutually aligned side wall openings (4, 6) of two cabinets (1, 2) that are coupled to one another at the respective side walls (3, 5) by connecting elements (17), in order to electrically insulate the edges of the side wall openings (4, 6). According to the invention, the insulating frame (7) has means for coupling the cabinets to one another, in particular an outwardly projecting extension (8) provided for arrangement between the cabinets (1, 2) with at least one through-opening (16) for a connecting element (17) or with at least one connecting part integrally molded onto the extension.