Socket Strip Positioning in Distribution Box

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution box designs make sockets difficult to access and the insertion direction of plugs inconvenient due to their fixed positioning on the outer wall and parallel orientation with mounting plates.

Innovation Solution

A socket strip is reversibly connectable to a fastening adapter with positioning means that allows it to be positioned anywhere within the mounting surface, enabling flexible placement and easy accessibility, using dome or rail positioning means and a locking mechanism to secure the strip in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sockets are arranged on the outer wall of the distribution box, then the structure is simple and fixed, but the sockets become difficult to access and the insertion direction of plugs becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of socketsVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power strip is made movable within the distribution box through a positioning system with multiple positioning means (first, second, and third positioning means) that allow the power strip to be repositioned to different locations and orientations, transforming the static socket arrangement into a dynamic one that can be optimized for accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is divided into multiple independent positioning means: first positioning means for lateral positioning, second positioning means for longitudinal positioning, and third positioning means for angular positioning. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each degree of freedom, enabling flexible placement while maintaining structural organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If power strip position is fixed on the mounting surface, then the structure is simple, but the power strip cannot be moved to optimize accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning flexibility of power stripVSAvoidPositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning means are designed with universal functionality where each positioning means can work independently or in combination with others. The first, second, and third positioning means collectively provide comprehensive positioning capability in multiple directions, allowing the same positioning system to accommodate power strips of different sizes and configurations

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

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning means act as intermediary elements between the mounting surface and the power strip, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the connection while enabling flexible positioning. The positioning means translate the complex requirement of flexible mounting into simple, standardized positioning points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3419128B1Power strip for a distribution box
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3419128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3419128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3419128B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arrangement for use in a distribution box, comprising a mounting surface (1) for the indirect or direct fastening of rails (8) and/or installation devices and at least one power strip (2) with sockets for drawing mains power, is characterized, with regard to the task of arranging sockets within a distribution box as flexibly and easily as possible, in that the power strip (2) is connected to a fastening adapter (3) or reversibly connectable, wherein at least one positioning means for the defined positioning of the fastening adapter (3) within the mounting surface (1) is arranged on and/or within the mounting surface (1).