External Connection Modules for Modular Electrical Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection cabinets lack modularity and efficiency due to the use of a single type of external connection module, which is not adapted to the specific electrical load, leading to oversized modules and inefficiencies in size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection cabinet that includes a set of external connection modules specifically adapted to different external electrical loads, allowing for easy connection to various electricity sources, thereby enhancing modularity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single type of external connection module is used for all electrical loads, then the cabinet structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the module size becomes oversized and modularity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The external connection module is divided into multiple independent components: a standardized support structure and interchangeable connection elements. Each connection element is designed for specific electrical load types (motor, lighting, power tool), allowing the module to be segmented and reconfigured based on the required application rather than using a single oversized standardized module for all cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as a universal base that can accommodate different types of connection elements. This universal support structure maintains ease of manufacture through standardization while enabling multi-functionality by allowing different connection elements to be mounted on the same base, thus adapting to various electrical load requirements.
2Reliability
If connection modules are sized for maximum capacity, then all electrical loads can be connected, but space efficiency is reduced and smaller loads are mismatched
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The interchangeable connection elements allow the module to be adapted to match the specific size and type of electrical load being connected, whether small (lighting) or large (motor), optimizing space usage while maintaining the capability to handle all load types through element substitution.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized connection modules are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different electrical load types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into a standardized support structure and specialized connection elements. The support structure maintains standardization for ease of manufacture, while the connection elements are specialized for specific electrical load types (motor connection elements with terminal blocks, lighting connection elements with appropriate terminals, power tool connection elements), thus achieving both manufacturing simplicity and connection specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the standardized manufacturing process and the specialized connection requirements. It provides a universal mounting platform that translates standardized production into adaptable configurations through the interchangeable connection elements that interface with different electrical load types.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connection cabinet comprises at least one power source connected to an associated electrical load and including a base, a front panel, a cover, and functional elements fixed to the base. All power sources have a base of constant height and a front panel and cover whose heights are adapted to the dimensions of the functional elements. The cabinet includes at least one external connection module (706) associated with one of the power sources and selected from a set of external connection modules.Each external connection module includes a first end (709), of equal height to the bases and having input connectors (710) connected to the power source, and a second end (711), of equal height to one, two or three times the height of the bases but less than or equal to the height of the associated power source and having output connectors (712) connected to the electrical load.