Switch Cabinet Light Swivel Arm Locking for Flexible Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch cabinet lights lack flexibility in installation due to fixed mounting requirements, which restricts their placement within control cabinets, affecting illumination, air circulation, and sensor alignment, and require complex fastening systems for various mounting surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A switch cabinet light with a swivel arm and locking piece that allows adjustable mounting on different surfaces using two distinct fastening means, enabling tool-based and tool-free attachment, and providing equipotential bonding for cost-effective production and improved safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed fastening system is used for mounting the switch cabinet light, then the mounting structure is simple, but the adaptability to different installation locations and surfaces is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different installation locationsVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel arm is designed with two different fastening means (first fastening means for tool-based fastening and second fastening means for tool-free fastening) that can engage with different mounting surfaces including frame profiles and flat surfaces. This multi-functional design allows the same mounting device to adapt to various installation locations and surface types without requiring multiple different fastening systems.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different fastening means are provided for different mounting surfaces, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated swivel arm component. The first fastening means and second fastening means are combined in one piece, allowing the device to be mounted on different surfaces (frame profiles, flat surfaces) using the same component, thereby simplifying production and reducing costs while maintaining mounting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the swivel arm is freely adjustable, then the ease of installation is improved, but the stability and positioning precision at specific locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel arm transitions from a fixed position to a freely adjustable position during installation, and then locks into a stable fixed position once mounted. The locking piece enables this dynamic behavior by allowing free adjustment during installation and then securing the arm at the desired position, thus combining ease of installation with positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking piece that can be moved between a locked position (securing the swivel arm) and a release position (allowing free adjustment). This segmentation enables the system to switch between stable positioning and easy adjustability as needed during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3443261B1Electronic device for installing in a switch cabinet, which electronic device has a first and a second fastener
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3443261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3443261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3443261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic device (1) having a device base (2) for mounting the electronic device (1) on a support, wherein at least one pivoting arm (4) is at least partially accommodated in a holder (3) of the device base (2) and partially protrudes from the device base (2), which pivoting arm can be moved about a pivot axis (x) parallel to a contact side (5) of the device base (2), wherein a first fastener (6) is arranged outside of the holder (3) in a first position of the pivoting arm (4), and wherein a second fastener (7) different from the first fastener (6) is arranged outside of the holder (3) in a second position of the pivoting arm (4), characterized in that a cut-out (9) leading into the holder (3) is formed on a side wall (8) of the device base (2), into which cut-out a locking piece (10) is inserted, which can be moved parallel to the pivot axis (x) between a release position, in which the locking piece releases the pivoting arm (4), and a locking position, in which the locking piece fastens the pivoting arm (4) selectively in the first position or the second position. In particular, the electronic device can be a switch cabinet lamp.