Removable Backplane Design for Electrical Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical enclosures make it difficult to remove the backplane without disassembling the field mount, leading to costly and time-consuming procedures for servicing or replacing electrical components, especially in scenarios like sewage lift stations where tamper resistance and frequent upgrades are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A removable backplane design with hinged cover plates and strategically placed cut-outs or detachable portions allows the backplane and its components to be extracted as a module, maintaining the integrity of the field-mounted enclosure and enabling easy replacement without disassembling the exterior conduit penetrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backplane is securely mounted to the enclosure using corner screw mounts and conduit penetrations, then the enclosure provides stable protection for electrical components, but removal of the backplane becomes difficult or impossible without disassembling field mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane is divided into multiple sections with removable portions or cutouts at specific locations. These segmented sections allow the backplane to be partially removed or accessed without removing the entire backplane from the enclosure, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific portions of the backplane are extracted or cut out at strategic locations to allow access to electrical components or to enable removal of the backplane without disassembling field mounting. This extraction creates pathways through the otherwise solid backplane structure.
2Reliability
If the enclosure is fully assembled with conduit penetrations and exterior devices mounted, then the enclosure provides complete protection and functionality, but servicing of components requires complete disassembly of field mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane is segmented with removable sections that allow service personnel to access and service electrical components without removing the entire enclosure or disassembling field mounting. This segmentation enables partial access while maintaining overall enclosure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane is pre-configured with cutouts or removable portions at locations where conduit penetrations and exterior devices are mounted. This preliminary design decision allows future servicing to be performed quickly without requiring complete disassembly of field mounting.
3Strength
If the backplane is designed as a solid structure for component mounting, then electrical components are securely supported, but removal and replacement of the backplane is very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solid backplane structure is segmented with strategic cutouts or removable portions that maintain structural strength for supporting electrical components while enabling removal and replacement of the backplane without complete disassembly of field mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical enclosure that includes a sidewall, a back and a top, defining an interior. The top of the enclosure is adapted to open and provide access to the interior. The enclosure includes a backplane mounted to the interior of the enclosure. The backplane has an upstanding leg on which in interior swing panel door is hingedly attached.