Positioning Piece for Flat Part Alignment on Switch Cabinet Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arrangements for positioning a flat part on a switch cabinet frame often result in insufficient alignment, requiring manual readjustment after initial placement, as the pre-positioning with a positioning piece does not ensure precise alignment with screw passages and threaded receptacles.

Innovation Solution

A positioning piece with a form-fitting section featuring three perpendicular contact surfaces that securely engages with the L-shaped edge of the flat part, allowing precise pre-positioning and alignment, and an elastic hook that frictionally engages the L-fold for stability, along with a bearing projection and sliding contour for secure placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple positioning piece is used to pre-position the flat part, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to insufficient alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of pre-positioningVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning piece utilizes the vertical dimension by engaging the L-shaped edge from above, adding a third dimension of constraint to the traditional two-dimensional positioning. The form-fitting section with three contact surfaces creates precise positioning in the vertical direction while the hook engages the L-fold laterally, combining dimensional constraints to achieve both ease of operation and high alignment precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning piece acts as an intermediary element between the flat part and the support structure. It mediates the connection by providing a form-fitting interface with the L-shaped edge and a separate engagement mechanism with the support structure, thereby ensuring precise alignment without requiring direct complex interfacing between the flat part and the support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the positioning piece is simplified for easy placement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to instability during fastening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of placementVSAvoidstability during fastening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning piece is segmented into functionally distinct elements: a form-fitting section with three contact surfaces for precise positioning against the L-shaped edge, and a separate hook for engagement with the support structure. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function - the form-fitting section ensures precise placement while the hook provides reliable stability during fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fitting section with its three contact surfaces performs preliminary positioning action by precisely locating the flat part relative to the support structure before fastening begins. This preliminary action ensures correct alignment is established early, and the subsequent hook engagement maintains this alignment stability throughout the fastening process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables convenient and precise pre-positioning of the flat part on the switch cabinet frame, ensuring accurate alignment and secure fastening without manual readjustment, while maintaining the sealing effect and IP protection class.

Implementation Method 1

The hook can be elastic, for example made of a plastic, and in a relaxed position have a distance from the form-fitting section that is smaller than the material thickness of the L-fold, so that the positioning piece is prestressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The hook can be elastic, for example made of a plastic, and in a relaxed position have a distance from the form-fitting section that is smaller than the material thickness of the L-fold, so that the positioning piece is prestressed and, if necessary, frictionally engages the L-fold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3692611B1Arrangement for positioning a flat part on an electrical cabinet frame and related method
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3692611B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3692611B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3692611B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for positioning a flat part (100) on a switch cabinet rack (200), with a switch cabinet rack (200) comprising a horizontal profiled web (201) projecting in relation to the outer side of the switch cabinet rack (200), a flat part (100) having an L-shaped overturn (101), at least in sections, on the outer periphery thereof, and a positioning piece (1) which is placed on the profiled web (201), characterised in that the positioning piece (1) has a form-fitting section (2) by means of which the positioning piece (1) is positively applied to at least two inner sides (102) of the L-shaped overturn (101), which extend perpendicularly to each other. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.