Slide-In Compartment Structure for IP54 Switchgear Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear cabinet modules are complex and require many components for easy insertion and removal, which complicates protection and ventilation, and does not efficiently utilize installation space.

Innovation Solution

A slide-in compartment design where the module's side walls and base serve as walls and base for the compartment, reducing components and allowing different protection types, with guide webs and spring elements for secure guidance and earthing, and strip parts for mechanical stability and coding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If modules are designed as complete enclosed units with all walls and bases, then protection type is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection typeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module's base body is merged with the slide-in compartment's structure. Specifically, the module's rear wall becomes the compartment's rear wall, and the module's base becomes the compartment's base. This merging eliminates redundant components while maintaining protection type IP54 through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body of the module serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the module, forms the base of the slide-in compartment, and contributes to the overall protection enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.

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

2Reliability

If each slide-in compartment has its own separate roof, then protection type is improved, but installation space utilization and material efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection typeVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent slide-in compartments share common walls and bases. The roof of one compartment serves as the base for the adjacent compartment, eliminating redundant structures. This shared structure reduces material usage and optimizes installation space while maintaining protection type IP54.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body structure serves dual purposes: it forms the base of the current compartment and simultaneously serves as the roof/cover for the compartment below. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate roof components for each compartment.

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

3Reliability

If modules have complete enclosed structures with all walls, then protection type is improved, but ventilation and air circulation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection typeVSAvoidventilation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base body incorporates localized openings and grid-like structures in specific areas to provide ventilation pathways. These localized features allow air circulation while maintaining overall protection type IP54 through the enclosed structure, balancing ventilation needs with protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design minimizes components, enhances ventilation, and effectively utilizes space while achieving protection levels up to IP54, ensuring secure module guidance and protection during insertion and removal.

Implementation Method 1

The wall strip receives a spring element which extends in the direction of the interior of the slide-in compartment. A spring element can consist of metal or plastic. It is used to compensate for lateral tolerance of the module. A force is applied laterally to the module by a spring element. If a spring element is made of metal, it assists the earthing of the module.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3776765B1Arrangement comprising a compartment and a slide-in module
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3776765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3776765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3776765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arrangement comprising a module for insertion into a housing (14) or for removal from a housing (14) as well as a slide-in compartment (14a) for receiving the module, is characterized with a view to the object of providing an arrangement which has as few components as possible in that the module is configured as a module which can be reversibly removed from the slide-in compartment (14a), wherein at least one side wall (17) and/or a compartment rear wall (22) and/or a compartment base (16) of the slide-in compartment (14a) in the inserted state of the module forms or form a side wall and/or rear wall and/or a base wall and/or a roof of at least one module.