Switch Cabinet Base-to-Frame Alignment Using Unified Grid Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Control cabinets face space constraints due to rigid interior designs, limiting flexibility in accommodating varying application requirements, especially with cable and air conditioning management considerations.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves aligning the second fastening receptacles on the switch cabinet base with the same grid dimension as the first mounting receptacles, allowing for the expansion of the switch cabinet interior by utilizing previously unused space, and enabling the use of existing components for both the frame and base, with optional omission of base plates to accommodate additional components like mounting chassis or cable clamp rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the control cabinet interior is designed with a rigid structure using base plates to close off the volume, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility for interior design and component arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility for interior design
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base corner pieces are segmented into distinct functional zones: a first mounting side for securing the frame structure and a second mounting side for flexible interior component arrangement. This segmentation allows the base structure to provide stability while enabling independent optimization of the interior layout according to specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base corner pieces are designed as multi-functional components that serve both structural purposes (securing the frame via first mounting side) and interior design purposes (mounting interior components via second mounting side). This universality eliminates the need for separate base plates while maintaining structural integrity and providing design flexibility.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If base plates are used to close off the volume enclosed by the rack, then the structural completeness is improved, but the available space for component arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural completenessVSAvoidavailable space for components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base corner pieces replace traditional base plates by serving both as structural support elements and as mounting surfaces for interior components. The second mounting side with its row of holes provides attachment points directly on the base structure, eliminating the need for separate base plates and thereby maximizing the available interior volume.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting functionality is extended to a new dimension by placing the second mounting side on the base corner pieces themselves rather than requiring a separate base plate. This dimensional shift allows interior components to be mounted directly on the base structure, effectively utilizing the previously wasted space between the rack and the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If different mounting systems are used for the frame and the base, then the specific mounting requirements are met, but the component compatibility and ease of assembly are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Both the first mounting side and the second mounting side of the base corner pieces use the same grid dimension for their rows of holes. This homogeneity in spacing allows the same interior design components to be used for both frame mounting and base mounting, simplifying assembly and ensuring component compatibility across the entire control cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentEP3607624B1Arrangement of a base and an electrical cabinet frame mounted thereon and corresponding alignement of electrical cabinets
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3607624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3607624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly formed from a switch cabinet base (100) and a switch cabinet rack (200) mounted thereon. The switch cabinet base (100) comprises a plurality of base corner pieces (1) which are fastened to the switch cabinet rack (200), and the switch cabinet rack (200) has a plurality of profile struts (201), of which at least one profile strut (201) has a first assembly side (202, 204, 205, 208) with a row of holes formed from first fastening receptacles (203, 206, 207, 209), and at least one of the base corner pieces (1) has a second assembly side (3, 15, 16, 23) with a row of holes formed from second fastening receptacles (18), characterised in that the first and the second fastening receptacles (18, 203, 206, 207, 209) are distanced from one another with the same grid dimension (x). The invention also relates to a corresponding switch cabinet row.