Support apparatus usable with electrical enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical enclosures with tall and heavy cover portions are difficult to maneuver and align during installation, posing challenges for technicians due to their size and weight, especially when installed at chest height.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with hook-shaped retention elements and slots for vertical and horizontal alignment, providing support to the cover portion of an electrical enclosure, facilitating its installation onto the cabinet portion by offering vertical support and alignment assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the cover portion is made tall to accommodate more circuit interrupters, then the current carrying capability and circuit capacity are improved, but the weight and difficulty to maneuver increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus divides the heavy cover portion into manageable segments by providing multiple support points through shanks with retention elements. This segmentation allows the cover to be supported at multiple locations simultaneously, making it easier to handle and install despite its overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the heavy cover portion. The shanks with retention elements serve as intermediate support structures that bear the weight of the cover, freeing the technician from directly supporting the entire weight during alignment and installation.
2Quantity of substance
If the cover portion is made tall to increase circuit capacity, then the electrical enclosure capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus segments the alignment process into controlled steps by providing fixed shanks at specific positions. These shanks engage with corresponding features on the cabinet portion, creating predetermined alignment points that guide the cover portion into correct position without requiring manual manipulation of the entire heavy component.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus enables self-alignment of the cover portion through the geometric arrangement of shanks and retention elements. When the shanks are inserted into the cabinet portion, they automatically position the cover at the correct height and orientation, allowing the system to align itself without external intervention.
3Strength
If the cover portion is made heavy to provide structural strength, then the enclosure integrity is improved, but the productivity of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus serves as a temporary intermediary support system during installation. The shanks with retention elements provide mechanical support that compensates for the weight of the heavy cover portion, enabling rapid installation by eliminating the need for multiple personnel or complex lifting equipment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus performs preliminary support and positioning actions before the final fastening of the cover portion. By pre-positioning the cover using the shanks and retention elements, the system prepares the assembly for quick final installation, improving overall productivity without compromising the structural strength of the heavy cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus is usable with an electrical enclosure to provide support to retain a cover portion of the electrical enclosure in proximity to a cabinet portion of the electrical enclosure. The support apparatus includes a shank having a hook-shaped retention element situated at an end thereof that is configured to provide vertical support to the cover portion. The support apparatus can further include a second hook-shaped retention element at an opposite end of the shank that is configured to rest upon an upturned lip of the cabinet portion, or the shank can potentially be affixed to the cabinet portion. Slots can additionally be provided in the cabinet portion, the cover portion, or both to additionally provide horizontal alignment of the cover portion with the cabinet portion.