Segmented Cover Plate for Modular Electric Apparatuses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall-mounting modular electric apparatuses face issues with misalignment between cover plates and modular electric devices, leading to appearance-related problems and functional challenges such as dust accumulation, difficulty in cleaning, and exposure to electrical risks.

Innovation Solution

A cover plate design featuring multiple interlocking elements, including first and second cover elements, that securely attach to a supporting frame with snap-fixing mechanisms, ensuring proper alignment and protection while allowing for easy access and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If modular electric apparatuses are mounted with projecting front portions crossing the through opening of the cover plate, then the apparatuses can be accessed and actuated, but misalignment becomes visible and cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to modular electric apparatusesVSAvoidalignment between cover plate and modular electric apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate is segmented into a frame-shaped base body and multiple separate cover elements that can be independently positioned and attached to cover each modular electric apparatus, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mounting cross members are introduced as intermediary elements between the supporting frame and the cover plate, providing a precise positioning interface that ensures accurate alignment of the cover plate with the modular electric apparatuses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If modular electric apparatuses are mounted with projecting front portions crossing the through opening of the cover plate, then the apparatuses can be accessed, but dust and grease accumulation increases and cleaning becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to modular electric apparatusesVSAvoiddust and grease accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate is divided into a base body and separate cover elements that can be easily removed and cleaned independently, preventing dust and grease accumulation in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining apparatus accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover elements are designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable, allowing easy access for cleaning operations to remove dust and grease accumulation without compromising the protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a traditional cover plate design is used, then protection against dust and electrical risks is provided, but appearance is compromised due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against dust and electrical risksVSAvoidappearance of the mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate is segmented into precisely fitting cover elements that align perfectly with each modular electric apparatus, eliminating visible misalignment gaps while maintaining the protective enclosure against dust and electrical risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional single-piece cover plate is replaced with a modular system of precisely positioned cover elements that provide both aesthetic alignment and protective function through their precise geometric configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If modular electric apparatuses are mounted with projecting front portions, then the apparatuses can be accessed, but exposure to electrical risks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to modular electric apparatusesVSAvoidexposure to electrical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate is segmented into separate cover elements that can be precisely positioned to maintain protective coverage over the modular electric apparatuses while allowing controlled access, reducing exposure to electrical risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting cross members and precise alignment mechanisms act as intermediaries that enable controlled access to the apparatuses while maintaining the integrity of the protective cover plate structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3659228B1Cover plate and group of parts for wall-mounting modular electric apparatuses

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BTICINO

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
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AI summary

A cover plate (1) for wall-mounting modular electric apparatuses (3), comprising: a frame-shaped base body (100) which extends about a through opening (101), comprising two mounting cross members (102) arranged on opposite sides with respect to the through opening (101), two connection uprights (103) arranged on opposite sides with respect to the through opening (101) and adapted to connect the two mounting cross members (102) to each other; a plurality of first cover elements (10, 11, 12) arranged side-by-side one another between the connection uprights (103) to wholly or partly cover the through opening (101); coupling elements (230) adapted to mechanically couple the first cover elements (10, 11, 12) to the mounting cross members (102); in which the first cover elements (10, 11, 12) overlap the mounting cross members (102) to also cover the mounting cross members (102) in addition to the through opening (101).