Pivot Axis Inversion in Electrical Distribution Box Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution boxes and panels face challenges in accessing and connecting modular electrical equipment due to limited space between mounting rails, leading to complex and often poor-quality connections, resistive losses, and overheating, as well as cumbersome installation processes.

Innovation Solution

The electrical distribution box design features pivot axes located behind the mounting rails, allowing for reduced clearance and cable length requirements, enabling easier access and connection of modular equipment with sliding rail supports that can tilt independently, facilitating installation without special tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If mounting rails are positioned close together to reduce volume, then the volume of electrical distribution boxes is reduced, but access to electrical conductor entries becomes difficult and connection quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of electrical distribution boxVSAvoidaccess to electrical conductor entries
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail is made movable through a tilting mechanism that allows it to rotate around a pivot axis. This dynamic capability enables the rail to tilt away from adjacent rails, creating temporary clearance for accessing electrical conductor entries, while maintaining compact positioning when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing clearance in the horizontal plane between parallel rails, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the rail to tilt at an angle. This dimensional transformation enables access to conductor entries without increasing the horizontal footprint of the distribution box.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If arcuate trajectory is used to pivot mounting rail, then mobility is achieved, but large clearance space is required which increases volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility of mounting railVSAvoidclearance space required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the mounting rail around a pivot point located at its front end (which would require large arcuate clearance), the pivot axis is inverted to be positioned at the rear end of the rail. This inversion creates a compact rotation path that minimizes the clearance space required while maintaining full mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If arcuate trajectory is used for mounting rail, then pivoting is enabled, but power supply cable length must be increased to avoid blocking mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting capabilityVSAvoidpower supply cable length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pivot axis location from the front to the rear of the mounting rail, the arc of rotation is significantly reduced. This allows power supply cables connected to equipment on the rail to remain short without interfering with the pivoting motion, as the rotation occurs closer to the cable connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rail support with front pivot is used, then mobility is achieved, but access to entries is not facilitated when rail is close to wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility of mounting railVSAvoidaccess to entries when rail is close to wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot axis is relocated from the front to the rear of the mounting rail. This inversion allows the rail to tilt away from the wall at its front end, creating clearance for accessing electrical conductor entries even when the rail is positioned close to the wall, while the rear remains anchored at the pivot point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2369700B9Power distribution box or panel provided with rail supports with sliding pivot
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2369700B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2369700B9 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2369700B9 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical distribution box or panel (1) comprising a chassis (100) with a base (102) for mounting against a wall, at least one mounting rail (300) for modular electrical equipment (401), and at least two rail supports (200), each comprising: - a platform (210) for receiving one end of said mounting rail, - a pivot located at the right-hand side of said platform, allowing this platform to pivot between a straight position parallel to the base of the chassis and a tilted position, and - means for locking the pivot. According to the invention, the platform carries sliding mounting means for the mounting rail, and the pivot forms a sliding pivot joint with the chassis.