Modular Wall Mount Enclosure with Removable Extensions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall mount enclosures for electrical and electronic equipment lack flexibility in expansion and equipment mounting options, limiting their adaptability to varying user needs.

Innovation Solution

A wall mount enclosure design featuring a backpan with removable side extensions and a door system, allowing for modular expansion and versatile equipment mounting through a range of brackets and apertures, enabling vertical, horizontal, and diagonal orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size enclosure is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it lacks flexibility for expansion and adaptation to varying user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpansion flexibilityVSAvoidenclosure structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into modular components: a base unit and multiple detachable extension panels that can be added to each side. Each extension panel is a self-contained module with mounting apertures and structural integrity, allowing independent attachment and removal without affecting the core enclosure structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Extension panels can be added or removed based on user needs, and the door system can be repositioned between extensions, enabling the enclosure to adapt its configuration over time rather than being locked into a single design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment mounting provisions are integrated into extensions, then mounting flexibility is improved, but the extensions become more complex and less easily attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment mounting optionsVSAvoidextension structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting brackets are designed as universal components that can accommodate various equipment types and orientations. The array of mounting apertures in different patterns (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) allows a single bracket design to serve multiple mounting needs across different equipment configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Mounting brackets serve as intermediary components between the extension panels and the equipment. Rather than integrating mounting provisions directly into the extensions, the brackets act as separate mediating elements that attach to the extensions via shovel lances fitting into mounting apertures, providing mounting functionality while keeping extensions relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mounting orientations are provided, then equipment adaptability is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting orientationsVSAvoidmounting bracket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting apertures are arranged in asymmetric patterns that accommodate different orientations. Rather than symmetric circular holes, the apertures are positioned in specific geometric arrangements (vertical rows, horizontal rows, diagonal patterns) that naturally guide the mounting bracket into the correct orientation for the intended equipment configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting apertures are pre-positioned in the extension panels during manufacturing in optimal configurations for various equipment types. This preliminary arrangement of mounting points eliminates the need for field modifications or complex adjustable mechanisms, as the correct mounting orientation is already prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3367767B1Vertical wall mount host enclosure
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 LEGRAND AV INC
  • EP3367767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3367767B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3367767B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

A wall mount enclosure has a backpan with a back panel and a plurality of side panels extending forwards from the back panel. A plurality of extensions are releasably attached to the backpan side panels and to adjacent extensions to form an extension assembly extending forwards from the backpan. The extension assembly as an assembly is releasable from and attachable to the backpan, and individual extensions are releasable from and attachable to the backpan and their respective adjacent extensions. At least one door is removably attached to one of the extensions and movable between a closed position and an open position.