Pre-Mounted Enclosure Door Lock for Faster Cabinet Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of lock assemblies for low and medium voltage electrical enclosures is complex, time-consuming, and impacts manufacturing costs and transport due to the need for on-site assembly, increasing the door thickness.

Innovation Solution

A pre-mounted lock assembly with a containment profile and mechanism, utilizing snap-fit connections for easy installation outside the production line, ensuring reliable and cost-effective attachment to the door without affecting transport dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock assembly is installed on-site during production line assembly, then the door can be properly locked, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide elements are pre-assembled and rigidly connected to the containment profile before the lock mechanism is installed on the door. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process by eliminating the need to screw multiple guide elements during production line assembly, directly reducing installation complexity while maintaining the reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the lock assembly is installed on-site during production line assembly, then the door can be properly locked, but the installation time increases and manufacturing costs impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide elements are pre-assembled and rigidly connected to the containment profile before the lock mechanism is installed on the door. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process by eliminating the need to screw multiple guide elements during production line assembly, directly reducing installation complexity while maintaining the reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the lock assembly is installed on the door side, then the door can be locked, but the door thickness increases and transport possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoiddoor thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide elements are integrated within the containment profile structure, with the mechanism housed inside the seat defined by the profile. This nested arrangement allows the lock assembly to be mounted on the door without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the door, preserving transport possibilities while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12497809B2Pre-mounted lock for a door of a low voltage enclosure

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ABB SPA

AI summary

Described herein is a pre-mounted lock assembly for a door of a low and medium voltage electrical cabinet including a containment profile that develops along a main direction defining a seat. A mechanism is arranged in said seat. Said mechanism includes at least a rod and at least one guide element for said rod. Said guide element is rigidly connected to said profile. The pre-mounted lock assembly also includes fixing means for fixing it to said door following the connection of said at least one guide element to said profile, wherein said fixing means are arranged on said profile and/or on said at least one guide element.