Switchboard Frame Assembly With Nested Connector for Faster Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of switchboard frames is complex and costly due to the use of massive and structurally complex corner joint elements, leading to cumbersome and expensive packaging, as well as long execution times.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly for a switchboard comprising a hollow member with slots for transverse insertion of a connecting element, including an insulating body and a fixing metal plate, which simplifies the connection to corner joint elements using a snap-fit mechanism or reduced number of screws, allowing for easier assembly and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If massive and structurally complex corner joint elements are used to ensure adequate connection and avoid relative displacements, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and packaging cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is segmented into a hollow body and an integrated connecting element, where the connecting element is a simplified structure that fits into the hollow body. This segmentation allows the complex corner joint to be replaced by simpler, modular components that are easier to manufacture and package while maintaining connection reliability through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to be inserted into the hollow body of the frame member, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach allows the connecting element to be housed within the hollow body, reducing overall complexity and enabling more compact packaging while ensuring stable connection through the nested configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixing screws are used to connect frame members to corner joint elements, then connection stability is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element integrates multiple fixation functions into a single component that can be inserted as one piece into the hollow body. This merging of multiple fixing functions into a unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate screws and assembly steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with self-aligning and self-fixing features that allow it to automatically position and secure itself within the hollow body during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment and multiple fastening operations, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring stable connection through the self-securing design.
3Strength
If complex corner joint elements are used, then structural strength is improved, but packaging becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to nest within the hollow body of the frame member, creating a compact configuration that reduces the overall volume required for packaging. This nested arrangement allows the components to be stored and transported in a more space-efficient manner while maintaining the structural strength through the interlocking nested design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixing screws and complex joint elements are used, then mechanical stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines multiple fixation functions and structural support features into a single integrated component that replaces multiple separate screws and joint elements. This merging reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to handle and install multiple separate fastening components while maintaining mechanical stability through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for the frame of a switchboard is disclosed, which can include a hollow member which extends lengthwise along a reference axis and which has at least one slot. The assembly can include at least one connecting element for connecting the assembly to a corresponding corner joint element of the frame, and the connecting element can include an insulating body and a fixing metal plate which is associated to a carrying part of the insulating body. The carrying part can be at least partially inserted transversally with respect to the reference axis into the hollow member through the slot, so as to arrange at least a portion of the associated fixing metal plate into the hollow member transversally with respect to the reference axis.