Rotating Switchgear Cabinet for Exhaust Gas Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exhaust gas analysis facilities face space constraints and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple control cabinets and personnel to manage simultaneous measurements on multiple vehicles or engines, as well as the requirement for additional space to accommodate new devices for higher emissions standards.

Innovation Solution

A compact control cabinet design allowing the first cabinet body to be rotatably attached to a second cabinet body via a joint, enabling simultaneous operation of two exhaust gas measurement lines with a single control unit, reducing space usage and costs by eliminating the need for a wall unit and allowing easy accessibility of all components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control cabinets are used for simultaneous exhaust gas measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but space requirements and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control cabinet functions into a single integrated unit. The first and second cabinet bodies are connected via a hinge joint, allowing them to function as separate measurement chambers while sharing common structural support, electrical infrastructure, and operational space. This merging reduces the total floor space required compared to completely separate cabinets while maintaining the capability to perform multiple simultaneous measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared base structure and common platform serve multiple functions: supporting both cabinet bodies, providing electrical connections for both measurement systems, and offering a unified operational interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle multiple exhaust gas measurements simultaneously while using a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall space requirements.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control cabinets are used for simultaneous exhaust gas measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational interfaces of multiple measurement systems into a single control unit. The operating unit provides a unified interface for controlling both the first and second exhaust gas measurement lines, eliminating the need for separate control panels and reducing operational complexity. Operators can manage multiple measurements through one integrated control system rather than switching between separate cabinets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If cabinet bodies are firmly connected, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hinge joint instead of a fixed rigid connection between the first and second cabinet bodies. This dynamic connection allows the cabinet bodies to be rotated and positioned as needed for accessibility during operation and maintenance, while still providing sufficient structural stability to support the measurement equipment. The hinge enables the cabinet to transition between a closed operational configuration and an open accessible configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3403476B1Switchgear cabinet for exhaust gas measuring facilities
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 AVL EMISSION TEST SYST GMBH
  • EP3403476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3403476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3403476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to switchgear cabinets (10) for exhaust gas measuring facilities, comprising a first cabinet body (12) in which first measuring appliances (24, 26, 28) for the analysis of sample gases are arranged, a door (38) for opening and closing an open front side (42) of the first cabinet body (12), which is rotatably attached to the first cabinet body (12), and an operating unit (34) arranged on the door (38). According to the invention, in order to simplify the operation and accessibility of the measuring appliances, the first cabinet body (12) can be moved in a guided manner in relation to a second cabinet body (44) containing second measuring appliances (58, 60, 62) and comprising a second open front side (50) that can be closed and opened by means of the guided relative movement of the first cabinet body (12) in relation to the second cabinet body (44).