Modular Wall Box Connecting Element for Flexible Electrical Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution boxes are predetermined in size and equipment, making them inflexible and unable to adapt to the varying requirements of electrical installations, which limits their functionality and compatibility with different devices.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element and kit that allow box parts to be easily connected and configured, using swing-out anchor elements for secure wall mounting, plug-in elements for rigid connection, and adjustable compartments for accommodating various devices, enabling flexible assembly and retrofitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If distribution boxes are predetermined in size and equipment, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to varying electrical installation requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to installation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution box is divided into multiple box parts (first box part, second box part, third box part) that can be connected together using connecting elements. This segmentation allows the system to be manufactured in standardized modular components while providing flexibility in assembly to meet varying installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The box parts are designed with removable and addable components, allowing the configuration to be dynamically adjusted during installation. Box parts can be removed to create openings for cable access or combined in different configurations to accommodate various device arrangements and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If box parts are connected using rigid fixing methods, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements employ a dynamic connection mechanism where box parts can be inserted and fixed in a straightforward manner, yet remain removable when needed. The design allows for stable connection during operation while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly for maintenance or reconfiguration purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple box parts are assembled to meet specific requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized box parts and connecting elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components while enabling flexible combination to meet specific installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The box parts and connecting elements are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple configurations and applications. The same basic components serve different functions depending on how they are assembled, reducing the need for specialized parts and simplifying the overall system.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2863501B1Connecting element, box part, and kit for forming a box which can be installed in a wall recess
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2863501B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP2863501B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4(b)
  • EP2863501B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~6(b)

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting element (4), a box section (2, 3), and a kit for forming a box (1) to be installed in a wall niche for housing electrical power distribution equipment in buildings and/or other components of the electrical installation. According to the invention, the box (1) comprises box sections (2, 3) that are open on at least one side, and the connecting element (4) is configured to connect the box sections (2, 3) to each other at the open sides, preferably such that the box (1) to be formed is rigid as a whole. Advantageously, the connecting element (4) and at least one of the box sections (2, 3) are designed to be plugged into one another and/or snapped into each other and/or connected to each other by means of a fastening device.In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element (4) for forming a passage between the box parts (2,3) has a through-hole and/or a recess open on one side, wherein the through-hole and/or the recess can preferably be closed by a locking plate, which may be inserted into grooves.