Support Box Rail Alignment for Deformation-Tolerant Control Drawers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection cabinets face challenges in precise positioning of control drawers due to frame deformations, leading to inaccurate connector connections and increased bulkiness or cost with flexible or rigid connectors, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A support box with elastically deformable fixing lugs and centering pins that allow for precise positioning of control drawers within the cabinet, accommodating frame deformations and ensuring accurate connector alignment without the need for complex assembly or expensive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a support plate is attached directly to the framework, then the structure is simple, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to framework deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support box is segmented from the framework, with the box providing a stable reference frame independent of framework deformations. The guide rails are segmented into pairs that work together to constrain drawer movement precisely.
Solution Approach 2:
The support box acts as an intermediary between the framework and the control drawers. It decouples the drawers from direct attachment to the deforming framework, providing a stable mounting structure that compensates for framework instability.
2Manufacturing precision
If flexible connectors are used to compensate for positioning inaccuracy, then the positioning tolerance is improved, but the device bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of framework deformation into a benefit by designing the support box and guide rails to work together. The guide rails tolerate minor position variations while maintaining precise drawer guidance, turning the deformation issue into a non-critical factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow them to accommodate minor positioning variations while maintaining functional precision. The rail geometry is optimized to provide guidance even when the support box position varies slightly due to framework deformation.
3Reliability
If rigid connectors are used to compensate for positioning inaccuracy, then the connector reliability is improved, but the device bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the need for special rigid connectors with a mechanical guidance system using guide rails. The rails provide the necessary mechanical constraint and alignment function that would otherwise require complex rigid connectors, achieving the same reliability with simpler components.
4Manufacturing precision
If the framework is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from the framework structure and places it in the support box and guide rails. This allows the framework to remain simple while the positioning precision is achieved through the dedicated support box assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support box serves multiple functions: it provides a stable mounting structure, houses the guide rails, and compensates for framework deformations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components to achieve positioning precision.
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
The solution ensures precise and reliable positioning of control drawers, maintaining cabinet functionality and optimizing space usage while compensating for frame deformations, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrical connection systems.
Implementation Method 1
The members for fixing the armature on the framework of the electrical cabinet comprise elastically deformable and one-piece fixing lugs with the horizontal plates
Implementation Method 2
The support box further comprises at least one centering pin, configured to vertically center the box relative to a post of the framework of the cabinet
Data Source
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AI summary
A support box (60) for functional elements within the frame (28) of an electrical connection cabinet comprises at least one pair (70) of guide rails (72) for the translation of a control drawer constituting a functional element, a parallelepiped-shaped frame (62), and fasteners for attaching the frame to the structure. The frame comprises two horizontal plates, a vertical base perpendicular to the horizontal plates, and two vertical walls, each supporting one rail of each pair of rails. The fasteners for attaching the frame to the electrical cabinet structure comprise elastically deformable mounting brackets that are integral with the horizontal plates and elastically deformable load-bearing brackets that are integral with the vertical walls.The box includes at least one centering pin, vertically centering the box with respect to a post (32) of the framework, each centering pin being positioned in a positioning hole of a fixing bracket.