Integrally Formed Distribution Unit for Electrical Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution units for electrical installations require numerous assembly parts and complex assembly steps, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A distribution unit with a base portion and receiving means integrally formed as a single piece of plastic, where the top hat rail is integrated with the side walls for additional strength and the mounting strip is integrated with the top or bottom walls, eliminating the need for additional fixing parts and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional distribution units use separate components for mounting rails and supports, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base portion, top hat rail, and mounting supports into a single integrally formed distribution unit. The base portion includes integrated side walls that form mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate mounting rails and supports. This merging of components directly reduces the total number of parts while simplifying the assembly process, as the unit requires no additional assembly steps for attaching mounting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for receiving switching devices and terminals, then functional versatility is achieved, but production cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrally formed distribution unit provides multiple receiving functions within a single component structure. The base portion includes integrated side walls that serve as mounting surfaces for both switching devices and terminal blocks. This multi-functional design allows the unit to receive various electrical components without requiring separate mounting structures for each type, thereby maintaining versatility while improving assembly speed and reducing production costs.
3Strength
If traditional mounting methods use separate fixing parts, then installation flexibility is maintained, but mechanical strength and stiffness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit integrates the mounting structure directly into the base portion, forming a unified rigid structure. The side walls are integrally formed with the base, creating continuous structural support that enhances mechanical strength and stiffness. This integration eliminates the need for separate fixing parts such as screws, clips, or adhesives, while maintaining installation flexibility through the designed mounting surfaces on the side walls.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention is about a distribution unit (101) for an electrical installation, comprising a base portion (102) provided with first receiving means (103) for receiving first items of equipment, provided with second receiving means (104) for receiving second items of equipment (105), said base portion having a lower surface (106) and an opposite upper surface (107), said base portion having two opposite side walls (108, 109) and a top wall (110) and opposite bottom wall (111), said side walls (108, 109), top- and bottom wall (110, 111) extending perpendicularly to and in projecting relationship from said upper surface (107). The base portion (102) with its first and second receiving means (103, 104) and its side walls (108, 109) and top- and bottom walls (110, 111) is integrally formed as one part.