Modular Touch Protection Layout for Continuous Cabinet Busbars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control cabinet arrangements inefficiently utilize the interior space for mounting device adapters due to the design of touch protection modules, particularly when multiple frames are connected in series.

Innovation Solution

A modular design for touch protection modules that allows adaptation to the width of mounting plates, with end modules aligning with or extending beyond the vertical edges of mounting plates, and continuous busbars extending across multiple frames, ensuring uninterrupted access to contact openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional touch protection modules are used, then the basic function of protecting busbars is achieved, but the utilization of control cabinet interior space for mounting device adapters is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of control cabinet interior spaceVSAvoiddesign of touch protection modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch protection module is divided into multiple individual modules that can be arranged in series. Each module contains a portion of the busbars and contact openings, allowing device adapters to be mounted on each module. This segmentation enables efficient utilization of the control cabinet interior space while maintaining the protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control cabinet frame units are connected in series, then the continuous control cabinet interior is created, but the effective use of this continuous space is prevented by the design of known touch protection modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous control cabinet interiorVSAvoideffective use of continuous space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The individual touch protection modules are designed with standardized dimensions and mounting interfaces, making them universal components that can be used in any position within the continuous control cabinet interior. This universality allows the same module design to be efficiently deployed across multiple interconnected frame units, enabling effective use of the continuous space.

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

3Productivity

If the touch protection module design is changed to improve space utilization, then mounting efficiency increases, but the touch protection function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting efficiency of device adaptersVSAvoidtouch protection function
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each individual module maintains the complete touch protection function for its portion of the busbars, while the overall system achieves improved mounting efficiency through the modular arrangement. The local quality of touch protection is preserved in each module, while the global efficiency is enhanced by the ability to mount device adapters on multiple distributed contact openings across the continuous interior space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3954006B1Electrical cabinet arrangement with an electrical cabinet frame and a multipole touch protection module mounted on a mounting plate
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3954006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3954006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3954006B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet arrangement (1) having at least one switchgear cabinet rack (2) and at least one multi-pole module (4) to protect against accidental contact, which is mounted on a mounting plate (3) inside the switchgear cabinet rack (2) and in which a plurality of busbars (5) are accommodated so as to be protected against accidental contact and to be accessible for device adapters via contacting passages (6), characterised in that the module (4) to protect against accidental contact has a modular housing (7) with at least one central module (8) or a plurality of identical central modules (8) arranged in rows, wherein the at least one central module (8) or at least one of the central modules (8) is closed at the end thereof facing a vertical outer edge (9) by an end module (10), the vertical end face (11) of which is flush with the vertical outer edge (9) of the mounting plate (3) or protrudes thereover.