Switchboard Built-in Unit Fastening with Slide Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fastening built-in units on switchboards often require a second person, especially for larger switchboards, due to the complexity and need for additional support during the fitting process.

Innovation Solution

A sealed fastening system utilizing holders with holding lugs and a slide mechanism that engages with depressions on the built-in unit, combined with clamping elements that press against the switchboard rear side for secure fixation and sealing, allowing a single person to fasten the unit by using screws and an elastic material for sealing purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening methods with clamps and screws are used, then the built-in unit can be securely fastened on the switchboard, but a second person is required during fitting, increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidsingle-person operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is pre-assembled with the mount and slide mechanism before installation. The slide is positioned to engage with the built-in unit's features, and the mount is pre-configured to receive the holder. This preliminary preparation allows a single person to complete the fastening operation without requiring assistance during the actual installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slide acts as an intermediary element between the holder and the built-in unit. It engages with specific features on the built-in unit and transmits the fastening force, enabling precise positioning and secure attachment. The slide mechanism allows the holder to interact with the built-in unit in a controlled manner, facilitating single-person operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening components are used, then the built-in unit can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidfastening system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder, mount, and slide mechanism are merged into a single integrated fastening system. The holder is attached to the mount, and the slide is integrated with the holder assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure fixation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables positioning, and facilitates fastening. The mount serves dual purposes by providing a mounting surface and supporting the holder. The slide mechanism simultaneously engages with the built-in unit and transmits fastening force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

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

3Reliability

If severe pressing force is applied by clamping elements, then sealing of the through-opening is achieved, but the complexity of the fastening system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidclamping mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide mechanism automatically generates the necessary pressing force during the fastening process. As the slide is moved into position and engages with the built-in unit, it naturally applies the required force to the clamping elements. The system self-regulates the pressing force based on the engagement characteristics, eliminating the need for separate force-adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping elements are designed to dynamically adjust to the engagement conditions. The slide mechanism provides a progressive engagement that naturally builds the required pressing force. The elastic material between the collar and switchboard front side dynamically adapts to the applied force, providing sealing without requiring excessive static pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a single person to efficiently and securely fasten built-in units on switchboards with improved sealing, simplifying the fitting process and reducing the need for additional assistance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic material is arranged between the collar and the switchboard front side for sealing purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

clamping elements, which are arranged on the mount and press against the switchboard rear side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7639508B2Fastening of a built-in unit on a switchboard and fitting method for fastening a built-in unit
Publication Date: 2009.12.29 SIEMENS AG
  • US7639508B2 patent drawing
  • US7639508B2 patent drawing
  • US7639508B2 patent drawing

AI summary

At least one embodiment of the invention relates to the fastening and fitting of a built-in unit on a switchboard, which has a through-opening for this purpose, a collar, which is arranged on the built-in, limiting the action of plugging through the built-in unit, and at least one fixing and clamping device ensuring that the built-in unit is pressed correspondingly against the switchboard. In order to specify simple fastening including fitting which can be carried out by a single person, at least one embodiment of the invention proposes that holders arranged on both sides of the built-in unit and having mounts with holding lugs, which are arranged thereon and engage in corresponding depressions and/or apertures of the built-in unit, are provided, that each mount has a web, on which a slide, which latches in stepwise, can be moved toward the switchboard rear side, as a result of which it presses the holding lugs against the depressions and/or apertures and thus fixes the built-in unit in the through-opening first in the intended position, and that sealing of the through-opening takes place by means of clamping elements, which press against the switchboard rear side.