Rotational Coding Arrangement for Switchboard Module Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coding systems for electrical switch panels lack the ability to provide a simple and efficient method to increase the number of coding variations, leading to complex and time-consuming assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed coding system uses complementary positioning means such as pins and recesses, along with display identifiers, to allow for multiple rotational symmetrical positions, enabling a large number of coding variations with minimal space and reduced assembly time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional coding systems with single coding arrangements are used, then the structure remains simple, but the number of coding variations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of coding variationsVSAvoidcoding system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding system is divided into multiple independent coding arrangements, each capable of providing a specific number of coding variations. By segmenting the overall coding system into separate modular units (first coding arrangement, second coding arrangement, etc.), each unit can contribute its own set of positional variations, and the total coding capacity becomes the product of individual arrangement capacities, dramatically increasing the number of possible codes without requiring each individual component to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple coding arrangements are nested together to form a hierarchical coding structure. The first coding arrangement provides an outer layer of coding variations, while the second coding arrangement provides an inner layer, with each arrangement contributing its own positional degrees of freedom. This nesting allows the system to achieve high coding capacity through the combination of multiple simpler units rather than requiring a single complex coding mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coding arrangements are integrated to increase coding variations, then the number of possible codes increases significantly, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of coding variationsVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding arrangements are designed to automatically self-align and engage with each other through complementary positioning features such as pins fitting into holes, protrusions matching recesses, or keyed interfaces. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures or additional fastening steps, allowing multiple coding arrangements to be assembled quickly and intuitively while maintaining high coding capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coding arrangements incorporate asymmetric positioning features such as keyed interfaces, directional protrusions, or non-circular engagement elements that provide inherent orientation guidance. This asymmetry ensures that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, preventing assembly errors and reducing the time required for alignment and adjustment during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional positioning means are used, then the design remains simple, but the number of rotational positions and coding variations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of rotational positionsVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism incorporates features that operate in multiple dimensions, such as radial positioning features combined with axial positioning features, or circular paths with radial offsets. By utilizing positioning elements that can define positions in two or more dimensions simultaneously (such as pins constrained to circular paths while also having radial positioning variations), the system achieves a multiplicative increase in the number of possible rotational positions without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual positioning elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2151151B1Coding system, especially for an insert/module unit of an electric switchboard
Publication Date: 2010.10.06 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2151151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2151151B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2151151B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a coding system for a first component to be allocated to a coded second component, comprising at least one coding arrangement. Said coding arrangement comprises a positioning means which is complementary to a positioning means (23; 123; 223) of the first component in such a manner that the at least one coding arrangement on the first component can be positioned on the first component in at least two different positions that are rotation-symmetric relative to an axis of rotation (14; 114; 214). The coding arrangement further comprises, for the purpose of creating a coded connection to the second component, at least one coding means (31, 32; 131, 132; 231, 232) which, by virtue of its position, determines the code of the coding arrangement, which is configured to be complementary to a coding means (32, 31; 132, 131, 232, 231) of the second component, the position of which determines the code of the second component, and which, when the two components have a concordant code, has a corresponding position relative to the coding means (32, 31; 132, 131, 232, 231) of the second component.