Modular Electronics Housing with Interchangeable Side Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronics housings require frequent redesigns to accommodate different connection technologies and sizes, and lack flexibility in ventilation and cooling functions.

Innovation Solution

The design allows for adaptable side parts that can be easily swapped to accommodate various connection technologies, enable parallel arrangement of printed circuit boards, and provide adjustable ventilation and cooling features, with pre-assembled connectors and side parts forming a secure, protected unit for simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the complete housing is redesigned to accommodate different connection technologies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different connection technologiesVSAvoidhousing redesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a housing base and interchangeable side parts. The side parts can be swapped to accommodate different connection technologies (pin strips, socket strips, RJ45 connectors) without redesigning the entire housing. This segmentation allows the housing base to remain constant while only the side parts need to be changed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing base is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple types of connectors through interchangeable side parts. The standardized mounting interface and connector arrangements allow the same housing base to support different connection technologies, making the system multi-functional and adaptable.

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

2Ease of operation

If connectors are pre-assembled on printed circuit boards, then ease of assembly is improved, but assembly time for individual components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidpre-assembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Connectors are pre-assembled on the printed circuit boards along with the side parts to form pre-assembled units. This preliminary action protects sensitive components during assembly and allows the entire unit to be inserted into the housing base as one piece, simplifying the final assembly process and reducing the risk of damage to connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The side parts and connectors are merged into a single pre-assembled unit that is attached to the printed circuit board. This combination allows the connectors to be protected and positioned correctly during assembly, while the entire unit can be installed as one component, reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If side parts are made interchangeable for different ventilation and cooling functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation and cooling function adaptabilityVSAvoidside parts variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side parts are segmented into interchangeable components that can be swapped to provide different ventilation and cooling functions. Each side part can be designed with specific features (ventilation slots, cooling channels, connector types) that can be selected based on the required function, while maintaining compatibility with the housing base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2091105B1Directly mounted electronics housing
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP2091105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2091105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2091105B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The housing has a locking foot with locking units (2, 3) for latching on a mounting base. A single-piece formed housing socket (4) holds the locking foot. The housing socket comprises a main sidewall (6) and another main sidewall that are parallel to each other. The sidewalls limit the electronic housing in a specific direction. Side parts (14, 15) are formed for the housing socket and are lockable to the housing socket, where the side parts connect the side walls with each other. The side parts are lockable at a plug connector (11) that is designed as a pin strip or socket terminal strip.