Switch Cabinet Door Lock Adapter for Universal Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing locking arrangements for switch cabinets lack standardization in fasteners, making it impossible to switch between door lock plates from different manufacturers without post-processing the control cabinet door or door lock plate, limiting flexibility and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A locking arrangement featuring an adapter with a slot-shaped recess and mushroom-head pins allows for the flexible coupling of door lock plates by creating a mechanical connection between the locking mechanism and adjustment mechanism, enabling the adapter to be mounted on various door lock plates and door leaves, with multiple fastening hole patterns for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If door lock plates are directly fixed to the door leaf with mounting side fasteners, then the mechanical connection is simple and direct, but the compatibility between different manufacturers' door lock plates and door leaves is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between the door lock plate and the door leaf. The adapter includes a first mounting side that attaches to the door lock plate and a second mounting side that attaches to the door leaf, enabling compatibility between different manufacturers' components while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standardization of fastening devices is implemented, then the ease of operation and compatibility improve, but the adaptability to different existing door lock plates decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with universal mounting capabilities on both its first mounting side (for door lock plates) and second mounting side (for door leaves). This multi-functionality allows the same adapter design to work with various door lock plate and door leaf combinations from different manufacturers, achieving both ease of operation and broad compatibility.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the door lock plate is replaced after control cabinet erection, then the flexibility to add functions is improved, but the difficulty of disassembly and reassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the door locking system into three independent components: the door lock plate, the adapter, and the door leaf. This segmentation allows the door lock plate to be easily removed and replaced by detaching it from the adapter, while the adapter remains mounted on the door leaf. This significantly reduces the difficulty of replacement compared to direct fixed mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter is introduced between the door lock plate and door leaf, then the adaptability and compatibility improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as a mediator component with a standardized interface design. By concentrating the complexity into a single, well-defined adapter component rather than modifying multiple elements, the overall system complexity is managed effectively while achieving improved compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3781766B1Closing arrangement for a switch cabinet, and a corresponding adapter
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3781766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3781766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3781766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing arrangement for a switch cabinet, which has a switch cabinet door (100) with a door leaf (101) and a locking mechanism (102) on an inner side of the switch cabinet door (100), wherein a door lock plate (200) is releasably secured to the door leaf (101) on an outer side arranged opposite to the inner side and has an adjusting mechanism (201) which is coupled through the door leaf (101) to the locking mechanism (102), and wherein the door leaf (101) has a hole pattern with at least one keyhole (103) and an oblong hole (104), characterized in that the door lock plate (200) is releasably fastened to an adapter (1) which is releasably fastened to the door leaf (101) via a fastening means (2) engaging in the keyhole (103) and which has a coupler (3) which is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the oblong hole (104) and via which the adjusting mechanism (201) is coupled to the locking mechanism (102). A corresponding method is also described.