Electrical Panel Lifting Accessory With Removable Sheet-Metal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for lifting and handling electrical panel cabinets, such as using eye bolts or forklifts, are costly, require specialized machinery, and increase the cabinet's weight, making them inefficient and expensive for internal production and subsequent handling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A lifting and handling accessory comprising a box-like element with a connecting bolt and anti-rotation collar, made from a bent metal sheet, which can be fixed to the cabinet using existing machinery, and a replacement cap with a gasket for compliance with hygienic standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If detachable eye bolts are purchased from suppliers, then lifting and handling capability is provided, but production cost increases and internal production capability is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting accessory is divided into separate components (box-like element, connecting bolt, anti-rotation collar) that can be manufactured independently using existing sheet metal bending machinery, then assembled together. This segmentation enables internal production while controlling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of purchasing complete eye bolts from suppliers, the invention inverts the approach by having the cabinet manufacturer produce the lifting accessory components internally using their existing sheet metal bending equipment, thereby utilizing internal production capability and reducing dependency on external suppliers.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional eye bolts are used, then lifting capability is achieved, but production cost increases due to specialized metal carpentry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The box-like element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as the lifting attachment point, and integrates the connecting bolt and anti-rotation collar mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized production machinery while achieving the same lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material form from solid steel bars (requiring cutting, bending, and welding machinery) to bent metal sheets (compatible with existing sheet metal bending equipment). This parameter change in material form enables production using less specialized machinery.
3Ease of operation
If forklift reinforcement is added to the cabinet base, then lifting capability is provided, but cabinet weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting accessory is pre-installed on the cabinet during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional base reinforcement. The box-like element is strategically positioned to provide lifting capability without adding structural weight to the cabinet base.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is extracted from the cabinet base structure and implemented as a separate, lightweight accessory (box-like element with connecting bolt). This extraction allows the cabinet base to remain lightweight while still providing forklift lifting capability.
4Ease of operation
If base reinforcement is added for forklift engagement, then lifting capability is achieved, but the reinforcement cannot be removed after positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting accessory is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable. The connecting bolt can be unscrewed and the box-like element removed from the cabinet, allowing flexibility in handling requirements after the cabinet is positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting accessory can be discarded (removed) after the cabinet is positioned and recovered (stored) for future use or replacement. This enables adaptability to different handling requirements without permanent modifications to the cabinet.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lifting and handling accessory (12) comprises a box-like element (14) and a connecting bolt (15) comprising a screw (30) and a nut (19). The box-like element (14) comprises a bottom (16) and side walls (18, 20, 22, 24), one of the side walls (22), said connecting wall, is arranged with a hole (26) adapted to be engaged by the stem (28) of the screw (30) of the connecting bolt (15). Around the hole (26) an anti-rotation collar (32) is arranged, protruding outwards of the box-shaped element (14). The side wall (18), opposite the connecting wall (22), is arranged with a first slot (18).