Self-supporting plastic body for outdoor distribution box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor distribution boxes for fiber optic networks have complex structures with separate components for protection and mounting, leading to instability and the need for additional fasteners, which complicates manufacturing and increases the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting body made from plastic with double-walled side walls and a roof, featuring stiffening webs and a recessed door locking mechanism, allowing direct mounting of components without additional fasteners and enhancing stability by distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate housing and base structure are used for outdoor distribution boxes, then protection of components is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing and base into a single integrated body made of foamed plastic. The body includes integrated side walls, front wall, rear wall, and base plate that form a unified self-supporting structure, eliminating the need for separate housing and base components while improving stability and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, protects internal components, and serves as the mounting platform for all distribution box components. The body with its double-walled construction and stiffening webs fulfills both protective and structural roles that were previously separated.
2Strength
If additional fasteners are used for mounting components, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing becomes more complex and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates recesses directly into the body at specific locations where high holding force is needed. These recesses are integrated features of the molded body that provide secure mounting points for components, door locking mechanisms, and other attachments without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The body provides its own mounting features through integrated recesses and attachment points that are part of the molded structure. Components can be directly attached to these built-in features without requiring separate fastening elements, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining strong attachments.
3Strength
If single-walled construction is used for the body, then manufacturing is simpler, but strength and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-walled to a double-walled construction by adding an inner wall to each side wall, creating a sandwich structure with stiffening webs in between. This dimensional addition provides enhanced structural strength and stability while the integrated molding process keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The body is made from foamed plastic material that provides both structural strength and insulation properties. The double-walled construction with air-filled or foam-filled spaces between inner and outer walls creates a composite structure that enhances strength-to-weight ratio and provides thermal and acoustic insulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If inner walls are positioned close to outer walls, then manufacturing is easier, but components cannot be mounted directly without damaging outer wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the inner walls at a specific distance from the outer walls to create an optimal mounting zone. This spacing provides enough room for components to be mounted directly onto the inner walls with sufficient clearance from the outer wall, preventing damage while remaining feasible within the molded structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner walls serve as an intermediary mounting surface between the external environment and internal components. Components are mounted on the inner walls which are protected from external damage, while still providing adequate spacing for secure attachment without compromising the outer wall integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-supporting body (10) for an outdoor distribution box, in particular for a fiber optic network distributor, comprising a rear wall (12), two side walls (14, 16), and a roof (18), wherein the body (10) is made of plastic in one piece, and the side walls (14, 16) and the roof (18) are each formed with an inner wall (14I, 16I, 18I) and an outer wall (14A, 16A, 18A), wherein each inner wall (14I, 16I, 18I) is connected to its associated outer wall (14A, 16A, 18A) by several stiffening webs (22, 24, 26). The invention also relates to an outdoor distribution box with such a body (10) and a base plate (44) which is screwed to the body (10).