Modular Electrical Cabinet Base With Adjustable Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular bases for electrical enclosures lack flexibility in length adjustment and simplicity in assembly, requiring multiple parts and complex referencing, which complicates manufacturing and adaptation to varying numbers of electrical cabinets.

Innovation Solution

A modular base composed of framework elements that can be assembled into two distinct configurations, with alternating male and female assembly members along parallel lines, allowing for adjustable length and simplified assembly, while maintaining rigidity and solidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular bases are used to allow different lengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple parts and references

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into multiple identical framework elements that can be assembled in series. Each element contains integrated assembly elements (male and female coupling members) that enable connection between adjacent elements. This segmentation allows length adjustment by adding or removing elements while maintaining a consistent basic unit design, thereby reducing the number of different part references needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each framework element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains integrated assembly elements for connection, and can be positioned in different configurations (first and second configurations). The assembly elements are designed to be universal, working with identical elements to create a standardized system that reduces part variety while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If framework elements are assembled with alternating configurations, then rigidity is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidassembly configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alternating configuration requirement is built into the segmented design of identical framework elements. Each element contains both male and female assembly elements positioned to naturally alternate when elements are connected in sequence. This integrates the rigidity requirement into the basic modular unit without requiring complex assembly instructions or additional parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framework elements are designed to self-organize into alternating configurations through their integrated assembly elements. The male and female coupling members are positioned on identical elements such that when elements are assembled in sequence, the alternating pattern emerges automatically without requiring external control or complex assembly procedures. The design itself enforces the alternating configuration for structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3483993B1Base for electrical cabinet
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3483993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3483993B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3483993B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a base (1) for an electrical enclosure (2), said base being rectangular in shape and composed of several frame elements (10_i, 11_i) assembled together to give it an adjustable length (Ltot). Each frame element can only have one or two configurations; said base comprises at least two frame elements of said first configuration, and each additional frame element is made according to the second configuration and is added to adjust said length of said base.