Rack Anchoring System with Pivoting Hooks and Ratchet Teeth

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical installations require disassembly of support frames to access the back area for wiring, increasing installation and maintenance time and costs due to the need for skilled workforce intervention.

Innovation Solution

An attachment system with longitudinal guides allows the support frames to be fitted and pivoted, enabling easier installation and maintenance by using elongated hooks and flexible central teeth that flex to secure and release the frames, facilitating tool-assisted removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If support frames are fixed rigidly to the enclosure, then structural stability is improved, but access to the back area for wiring requires disassembly of the support frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into modular sections that can be independently removed. The frame consists of multiple support elements that can be detached from the enclosure without affecting the entire structure, allowing selective access to specific areas for wiring while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic removable connection. The support frames are designed with attachment mechanisms that allow them to be easily detached and reattached, providing both stability during operation and ease of access during maintenance or installation phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If support frames are designed for easy removal, then maintenance access is improved, but structural stability and secure anchoring deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support frames are pre-equipped with attachment mechanisms and anchoring elements that enable both secure installation and easy removal. The attachment system is prepared in advance with complementary components on the enclosure that facilitate quick connection and disconnection while maintaining strong structural bonds during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary attachment mechanism serves as the connection between the support frame and the enclosure. This intermediary system includes attachment elements on both the frame and enclosure that work together to provide secure anchoring during operation while allowing controlled removal for maintenance, bridging the requirement for both strength and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If traditional fixed support frames are used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but skilled workforce and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex disassembly operations are extracted and replaced with simple attachment mechanisms. Instead of requiring skilled workers to disassemble fixed support frames, the design extracts the attachment function into dedicated elements that can be quickly connected and disconnected, reducing both the skill level required and the time needed for installation and maintenance activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system changes the parameters of the connection from permanent to temporary, and from complex to simple. By modifying the attachment mechanism to use snap-fit, clip, or quick-connect designs, the system transforms the installation process from requiring skilled manual disassembly to allowing rapid attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces installation and maintenance time and costs by allowing access to the back area without disassembling the support frame, improving the efficiency of electrical device installation and reducing the need for skilled labor.

Implementation Method 1

due to the flexibility of its central teeth, these central teeth flex towards the interior of the support frame allowing the pivoting movement of said support frame. Once the cylindrical guide stops putting pressure on the central teeth, these central teeth go back to their initial position and fasten the free end of the support frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2793336B1System for anchoring a rack to an enclosure for electrical mechanisms

Publication Date: 2020.01.15

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Figure 6~10

AI summary

Attachment system between a support frame and an enclosure for electrical devices, comprising: - An enclosure formed by a lid (1) and a base (2) which has one or two longitudinal cylindrical guides (4) in at least one of the sides of its opening; and - A support frame (5) which has in at least one of its two ends, on both sides, two elongations in the shape of a hook (6) and at least one or two central teeth (7) which adopt, on its lower part, the shape of a ratchet (8), with its retention edge facing upwards, having, in the case of two central teeth, a hollow (10) between them.