Structural column and modular structure for electrical cabinets comprising said structural column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical cabinet structures face challenges in mechanical strength, assembly complexity, and high manufacturing costs due to the use of expensive Zamak alloys and require skilled labor for assembly, while modular solutions lack stability and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A structural column with innovative coupling elements and a modular structure using carbon steel, featuring symmetrically attached fitting elements, welds, and limiters for secure assembly without specialized labor, allowing for easy assembly and high mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded structures are used for base structure, then mechanical strength is improved, but assembly difficulty and transportation difficulty increase due to requiring specialized labor and inability to dismantle
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into modular components (vertical profiles, horizontal profiles, coupling elements) that can be assembled and disassembled independently. Each module contains integrated coupling elements that simplify connection without requiring welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are merged with the vertical profiles to form integrated structural columns. This combination provides both the mechanical strength of welded connections and the ease of modular assembly, as the coupling elements are pre-attached to the profiles.
2Ease of operation
If modular assembly of metal profiles is used, then assembly ease and transportation are improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to use of expensive Zamak alloys for corner connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive Zamak alloy corner connections with simpler, cheaper coupling elements made from standard metal profiles. These coupling elements maintain the modular assembly advantage while significantly reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from expensive Zamak alloy to more economical metal profiles with integrated coupling elements. This parameter change maintains the modular assembly benefits while reducing manufacturing costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled labor and appropriate equipment are used for correct perpendicular assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to daunting assembly task and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are pre-attached to the vertical profiles during manufacturing, creating pre-assembled structural columns. This preliminary action ensures correct perpendicular alignment is built-in, eliminating the need for skilled labor to achieve precise assembly during final installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are designed to self-align and self-position the horizontal profiles perpendicular to the vertical profiles during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for specialized equipment and skilled labor to ensure perpendicular assembly precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, mechanically robust, and easily assembled modular structure for electrical cabinets, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling versatile dimensions while maintaining stability and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
structural column, comprising two fitting elements (2) arranged symmetrically at the ends of a vertical profile (3), connected by means of welds made in the contacts between the parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The "structural column and modular structure for electrical cabinets comprising said structural column" comprises a structural column (1) that, on the basis of a single piece, precisely defines two edges or vertices of a modular structure (19) for electrical cabinets. The modular structure (19) has four vertically positioned structural columns (1) and at least eight horizontal beams (20), connected together by means of screws (21). The present invention also introduces an innovative connection between the elements of the structural columns (1), which are connected together by means of welds (6) and with the aid of limiters (12), positioning tabs (11) and chamfers (9). Thus, the present invention guarantees the perfect squaring of the modular structure and the correct erection of the electrical cabinet without the need for highly specialized manpower..