Modular Housing System With Multi-Plane Connecting Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular housing systems for telematics units lack flexibility in expansion and configuration, limiting their ability to be combined and expanded in multiple directions, which restricts their application in various environments.

Innovation Solution

A modular housing system with basic housing modules featuring connecting plates of different planes and shapes, allowing for vertical and horizontal connections through locking elements, enabling flexible expansion and robust assembly, along with additional modules for electrical connections, ventilation, and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular housing system uses connecting plates in different planes with locking elements, then the flexibility and expandability in multiple directions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and expandabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing system is divided into modular basic housing modules that can be independently connected. Each module contains connecting plates with locking elements that enable segmentation and reconfiguration of the overall system structure, allowing flexible expansion in multiple directions while maintaining manageable complexity at each module level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting plates are designed with features in multiple spatial planes (first plane and second plane distinct from the first), enabling connections not only in horizontal directions but also in vertical stacking. This multi-dimensional connection capability transforms a one-dimensional expansion limitation into three-dimensional modular assembly, significantly increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If connecting plates are designed with convex and concave shapes for self-adjusting assembly, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting plates feature asymmetric convex and concave shapes that create a self-adjusting interlocking mechanism. The asymmetric geometry guides the assembly process by naturally aligning modules during connection, reducing the need for precise pre-positioning and manual adjustment while maintaining robust mechanical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The convex-concave connecting plate design enables self-aligning and self-adjusting assembly where the modules automatically find their correct positions during connection. The interlocking shapes provide inherent guidance and adjustment capabilities, allowing operators to assemble modules without requiring high precision alignment procedures or complex alignment tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2850924B1Modular housing system
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 MECOMO AG
  • EP2850924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2850924B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2850924B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular housing system for accommodating electronic circuits, in particular telematics units. Said system comprises at least one basic housing module (10) which has two opposite end faces, wherein on the first end face, a first connecting plate (11) is formed in a first plane and a second connecting plate (12) is formed in a second plane which is different from the first plane; on the second end face, a third connecting plate (13) is formed in the first plane and a fourth connecting plate (14) is formed in the second plane, The first and third connecting plates (11, 13) and the second and fourth connecting plates (12, 14) are respectively formed on the end faces thereof in such a way that a positive engagement can be achieved at least in part, and the first and fourth connecting plates (11, 14) each have at least one opening (0) into which a locking element (60) can be respectively introduced.