Modular Cabinet Assembly Method for Space-Efficient Transportation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cabinet assembling methods for transportation either result in large transportation sizes and high costs when not disassembled or require extensive on-site reassembly and increased costs due to scattered disassembly and separate transportation of subracks.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a cabinet structure with a main cabinet and two side cabinets, where the side cabinets are detachable and connected to the main cabinet through screws, allowing for disassembly into a compact configuration for transportation, with a buffer apparatus to reduce vibration and optical fiber management features, enabling efficient transportation and reduced on-site installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cabinet parts are transported separately and assembled at destination, then transportation space utilization is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation space utilizationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into modular parts that can be transported separately in space-efficient configurations, then assembled at the destination. The modular design allows parts to be segmented for optimal transportation while maintaining assembly capability at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cabinet parts are pre-assembled into modular units at the factory before transportation. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity of final assembly at the destination while optimizing transportation space utilization through compact modular configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If cabinet parts are pre-assembled into a complete cabinet, then assembly time at destination is reduced, but transportation space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidtransportation space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is segmented into modular parts that are pre-assembled to a certain degree at the factory, then transported in a space-efficient disassembled state. This segmentation allows optimization of both transportation space and assembly time by finding the right balance between pre-assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cabinet design incorporates dynamic assembly features that allow flexible configuration during transportation and efficient reconfiguration at the destination. The modular parts are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, adapting to different transportation and assembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If cabinet is transported in disassembled modular parts, then transportation cost and space utilization improve, but risk of damage during assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation space utilizationVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Protective packaging and cushioning materials are applied to cabinet parts before transportation to prevent damage during transit and assembly. The modular design includes built-in protection features that cushion parts against impact and damage during handling and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Specialized assembly tools and fixtures are used as intermediaries to handle and assemble cabinet parts safely. These tools reduce the risk of damage during the assembly process by providing controlled and protected manipulation of the modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional assembly methods are used at destination, then flexibility in assembly location is maintained, but assembly complexity and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly location flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet modular parts are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized assembly mechanisms that can be assembled at various locations using simple tools. This universality reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the flexibility to assemble at different destinations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cabinet design incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that reduce the skill level and tools required for assembly. The modular parts are designed to guide the assembly process, reducing complexity while maintaining location flexibility for end-users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3886543B1Method for transporting and assembling cabinet
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3886543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3886543B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3886543B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide an assembling method for cabinet transportation. The cabinet includes a main cabinet and two side cabinets. The side cabinet includes a side door and a cabinet door. The side door and the cabinet door are detachable. The main cabinet includes a post and a subrack. The main cabinet is in a "⊏" shape in a side view. The two side cabinets are connected to two sides of the main cabinet. Connections between the two side cabinets and the main cabinet are detachable. The assembling method for cabinet transportation includes: disassembling the connections between the two side cabinets and the main cabinet, where the disassembled main cabinet and the disassembled two side cabinets are independent of each other; disassembling the side doors and the cabinet doors from the two side cabinets, where the side cabinet from which the side door and the cabinet door are disassembled is in a "⊏" shape in a side view; and placing side by side the two side cabinets from which the side doors and the cabinet doors are disassembled, fixedly connecting the two side cabinets through a fixed connection apparatus, and buckling, with the main cabinet together in a staggered mode, the two side cabinets from which the side doors and the cabinet doors are disassembled. This method reduces a transportation size of a product. A component that needs to be transported separately originally can also be installed in the product for delivery together. This improves transportation efficiency, reduces transportation costs, and reduces a labor hour for on-site installation and on-site installation time costs.