Profiled Duct Mounting Bar for Keyed Electrical Bases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods cannot directly mount electrical equipment bases with keying devices into the longitudinal opening of a profiled conduit due to the hindrance caused by the keying devices, which are designed to prevent compatibility with other ranges of components.

Innovation Solution

The development of electrical equipment accessories in the form of bars with mounting and receiving means that accommodate keying ribs, allowing for direct attachment of equipment bases with keying devices into the profiled conduit, utilizing a combination of grooves and strips to securely engage the bases without the need for specific supports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bases with keying devices are mounted using specific device supports with special grooves, then the keying devices can be properly received and mounted, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper mounting of keyed basesVSAvoidneed for special supports with grooves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory bar is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the mounting interface for bases and the receiving structure for keying devices. The bar combines the functions of a mounting rail and a key reception mechanism into a single universal component that can accommodate both keyed and non-keyed bases through different mounting configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory bar acts as an intermediary element between the profiled conduit and the bases with keying devices. It translates the keying device geometry into a compatible mounting interface by providing receiving means that cooperate with the keying ribs, eliminating the need for complex special supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If accessory receiving means are continuous without openings, then mounting is simpler, but bases with keying devices cannot be attached due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of accessory structureVSAvoidcompatibility with keyed bases
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving means of the accessory bar is segmented into discrete sections separated by openings. These openings are strategically positioned to allow keying ribs to pass through or engage with the structure, creating compatibility with keyed bases while maintaining the overall simplicity of the bar design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory bar maintains a simple continuous structure in most regions for ease of manufacture, but introduces localized openings or interruptions at specific positions where keying devices need to interact with the mounting structure. This local modification provides adaptability without compromising overall manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4404403A1Accessory for mounting bases of electrical and/or electronic equipment mechanisms in a profiled duct and multi-equipment block or electrical duct equipped with a plurality of such an accessory
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP4404403A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4404403A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4404403A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to electrical equipment comprising a profiled conduit with two parallel flanges, each having a groove into which several accessories (100) are threaded for mounting switchgear mechanism bases in the longitudinal opening of the profiled conduit. Each accessory is in the form of a bar comprising mounting means (120) for being secured to a flange of said conduit, and receiving means (130) adapted to cooperate with attachment means for the switchgear mechanism bases. According to the invention, said receiving means are interrupted by regularly spaced openings (133, 134) along said bar, for the passage of keying ribs provided on said bases near said attachment means.