Switchgear Cabinet Frame Construction Using L-Profile Grid Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frame constructions for switch cabinets are complex and require adapters for accommodating electrical function modules from different manufacturers, leading to inefficiencies in project planning and installation.

Innovation Solution

A simplified frame construction using L-profiles with a specific grid pattern of through-openings allows for direct mounting of electrical function modules without adapters, providing high mechanical stability and modular compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional frame constructions with L-shaped multiply angled profiles are used, then mechanical stability is achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases due to requiring adapters for different manufacturers' modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with electrical function modulesVSAvoidframe construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame profile is designed with a universal through-opening grid pattern that can accommodate electrical function modules from different manufacturers directly, without requiring manufacturer-specific adapters. The standardized opening arrangement allows a single frame design to serve multiple compatibility functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter elements traditionally required for compatibility are eliminated by directly integrating the mounting functionality into the frame profile itself. The through-openings in the frame profile perform the mounting function that previously required separate adapter components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If traditional frame constructions with multiple adapter elements are used, then compatibility with various modules is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex assembly procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmodule compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function and frame structure are merged into a single integrated component. The through-openings in the frame profile combine the structural support function with the mounting function, eliminating the need for separate adapter elements and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If adapter elements are used for mounting modules, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter elements are extracted and eliminated from the system. The frame profile itself is modified to provide direct mounting capability through its through-openings, removing the intermediate adapter components that caused complexity and installation delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP1994614B1Frame construction for a switchgear cabinet, switchgear cabinet and construction kit for the switchgear cabinet
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 ELGAN INVESTMENTS
  • EP1994614B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP1994614B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP1994614B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention proposes a frame construction (1) for a switchgear cabinet having frame profiles (4, 6) and connecting elements (7), wherein the frame profiles (4, 6) are and/or can be connected to one another via the connecting elements (7) so as to form the frame construction, wherein at least one of the frame profiles (4, 6) is in the form of an L profile (8) in cross section with a first and a second limb section (9, 10), which second limb section is arranged in the form of an L in relation to the first limb section, and the limb sections (9, 10) together delimit an inner sector, wherein the first limb section (9) merges with a first front-side section (11), which is bent back towards the inner sector, and the first front-side section (11) merges with a first end section (12), which is bent back towards the first limb section (9), and wherein the second limb section (10) merges with a second front-side section (13), which is bent back towards the inner sector, and the second front-side section (13) merges with a second end section (14), which is bent back towards the second limb section (10), wherein first through-holes (15a) are arranged with a fixed grid spacing on the first front-side section (11) and in the longitudinal extent of the L profile (8).