Multi-Device Block Container With Segmented Beams And Stirrups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-device blocks face challenges in manufacturing precision and speed due to restrictive geometries, and difficulty in accessing cable connections, while open arrangements do not maximize mounting volume for optimized external size.

Innovation Solution

A container with an open arrangement of separate beams and stirrups, allowing for precise and fast production, easy wiring, and maximum mounting volume without interfering with equipment modules, featuring robust stirrup-to-beam assembly and optimized cable access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a one-piece profile is used to make a multi-device block housing, then manufacturing speed and industrial rate are improved, but cable access to connection points becomes difficult and bending radii cannot be respected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidcable access
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a base piece and separate vertical panels that are assembled together. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through the base piece before panel assembly, respecting bending radii while maintaining industrial manufacturing speed through modular production of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a one-piece profile is used for the housing, then structural integrity is improved, but cable routing and bending radii compliance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcable routing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a base piece and separate vertical panels that are assembled together. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through the base piece before panel assembly, respecting bending radii while maintaining industrial manufacturing speed through modular production of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If open arrangements with separate beams and stirrups are used, then cable access and mounting volume are improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a base piece and separate vertical panels that are assembled together. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through the base piece before panel assembly, respecting bending radii while maintaining industrial manufacturing speed through modular production of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If separate beams and stirrups are assembled together, then cable access is improved, but mounting volume is not maximized for optimized external size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessVSAvoidmounting volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a base piece and separate vertical panels that are assembled together. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through the base piece before panel assembly, respecting bending radii while maintaining industrial manufacturing speed through modular production of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3109952B1Container for multi-apparatus unit and multi-apparatus unit
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP3109952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3109952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an elongated container (100) for a multi-device block (1), comprising a longitudinal opening in which device modules (3, 4, 5, 6) are intended to be installed, this longitudinal opening being delimited by two opposing longitudinal edges provided with mounting means for said modules, the container comprising four separate parts assembled together, including two profiled longitudinal members (110) each having a body (111) which carries, on an internal side, at its head, a longitudinal edge provided with said mounting means, and two brackets (120) provided with mechanical assembly means cooperating with complementary mechanical assembly means provided at the ends of said longitudinal members, each bracket being attached to the two longitudinal members to position said longitudinal edges of said longitudinal members opposite each other at a predetermined fixed width. According to the invention, the body of each longitudinal member comprises on another external side,opposite said inner side, arrangements (114,115) forming a first longitudinal groove (R2), said first grooves accommodating said mechanical assembly means (124,125) of the stirrups so that the stirrups, assembled to said longitudinal members, are located outside the mounting volume of said equipment modules, defined between the two inner sides of the opposite longitudinal member bodies.