Symmetric Switchgear Side Panels for Lower Parts Count Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medium voltage air insulated switchgears require non-identical, separate side panels for compartment construction, leading to increased costs, inventory complexity, and assembly complexity due to the need for symmetric and asymmetric feature patterns.
Innovation Solution
The use of symmetric sheet metal parts and panels with offset surface features allows for identical left and right side panels, enabling faster assembly and reduced parts count by aligning these features for secure attachment with fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-identical side panels with non-symmetric feature patterns are used, then the compartment can be constructed with proper attachment features, but the parts count, inventory complexity, and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by creating symmetric panels that can be used on both sides. The surface features are arranged symmetrically about a plane of symmetry, allowing the same panel to function as either a left or right side panel depending on orientation, thereby eliminating the need for separate non-identical panels
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric panel design makes a single panel type universal for both left and right sides of the compartment. The panel can be oriented in different directions and will have properly aligned attachment features for both sides, providing multi-functionality and reducing parts count
2Reliability
If non-identical side panels are used, then proper attachment alignment can be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating symmetric surface features about a plane of symmetry, the panel can be oriented in either direction and will maintain proper alignment with corresponding features on adjacent panels, ensuring reliable attachment regardless of orientation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating different panels for left and right sides, the patent inverts the approach by creating identical panels that can be flipped or oriented differently to serve both sides, simplifying the assembly process
3Ease of manufacture
If separate non-identical side panels are manufactured, then specific feature patterns can be optimized for each side, but manufacturing costs and inventory maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single symmetric panel design serves as a universal part for both left and right sides of the compartment. This reduces inventory requirements from two different panel types to one, while the symmetric feature patterns maintain the necessary attachment capabilities for both sides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate non-identical panels into one symmetric panel design. By combining the features and functions of both left and right panels into a single universal panel type, manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements are reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Side panels for a compartment of a switchgear include a first panel structure and a second panel structure that is identical to the first panel structure. Each panel structure has a body with symmetric surface features in the body. Certain of the surface features are offset from a plane of symmetry of the body. The first panel structure is constructed and arranged to define a left side of the compartment and the second panel structure, upon proper orientation, is constructed and arranged to define an opposing, right side of the compartment.