Switchgear Module With Guide Legs For Torsional Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modules for switchgear cabinets lack ease of insertion and removal while maintaining stability, leading to potential damage and inadequate protection of electrical equipment.

Innovation Solution

The module features parallel elongate strip parts with guide legs that provide both carrying and guiding functions, increasing torsional stability and secure insertion/removal, along with a Y-shaped configuration for enhanced mechanical coding and assembly flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If modules are designed for easy insertion and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and protection of electrical equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertion and removalVSAvoidstability of module
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into a front wall, rear wall, and multiple parallel strip parts that can be independently assembled. The strip parts are segmented into guide legs and mounting legs, allowing the module to be disassembled and reassembled easily while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The module combines different structural elements (strip parts with guide legs, front wall, rear wall) into a composite structure that provides both ease of handling and operational stability. The strip parts act as both carrying structures and guide elements, creating a multi-functional composite system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If strip parts are used to connect front and rear walls, then ease of manufacture is improved, but torsional stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidtorsional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The strip parts are designed with specific local features (guide legs, mounting legs, screw holes) that provide different functions at different locations. The guide legs provide guidance while the mounting legs with multiple screw holes provide enhanced attachment points, creating local quality variations that improve both assembly ease and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The strip parts extend in the longitudinal direction between front and rear walls, adding a dimensional element that spans the module depth. This longitudinal extension creates torsional rigidity by distributing loads across the entire length of the module, rather than concentrating stress at single attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If guide legs are added to strip parts, then guidance during insertion is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance during insertionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide leg and mounting leg functions are merged into a single integrated strip part structure. The strip part simultaneously provides mechanical support, guidance through the guide leg, and mounting capability through the mounting legs, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip part is designed as a multi-functional element that serves as both a carrying structure and a guide element. The guide leg specifically cooperates with guide counter-elements in the housing to provide insertion guidance, while the same strip part also provides structural support and mounting capabilities, achieving universality.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3776766B1Removable module
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3776766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3776766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3776766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A module for insertion into a housing (14) or for removal from a housing (14) comprising a base body (1) having a front wall (2) and a rear wall (3), is characterized with a view to the object of providing a module which can be inserted slidingly into a housing as far as possible in an unimpeded manner and which can be removed again from this, in that parallel elongate strip parts (4) extend between the front wall (2) and the rear wall (3), the longitudinal extension whereof spaces apart the front wall (2) and the rear wall (3), wherein at least one strip part (4) has a guide leg (4a) for cooperation with a guide counter-element (13).