Transparent Label Holder for Distribution Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution boxes face challenges in facilitating the easy attachment and modification of labeling fields, as they often require complex fastening mechanisms that compromise visual aesthetics and are not easily adaptable for label changes.

Innovation Solution

A transparent holding part with connecting devices on its longitudinal edge, allowing for attachment on either side of the opening, featuring a U-shaped resilient bend for a stable yet detachable connection, and incorporating a groove with projections for enhanced clamping force, ensuring easy label updates without impairing the visual appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to attach labeling fields, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation and visual aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of label attachment and modification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling field is segmented into a separate detachable holding part that can be independently attached and removed from the distribution box front plate, allowing easy label changes without affecting the main structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding part is made transparent to match the aesthetic quality of the distribution box front plate, while the fastening mechanism is localized to the edges and is invisible when attached, maintaining visual uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to attach labeling fields, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is merged into the edge structure of the holding part itself through U-shaped resilient bends, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the overall device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped resilient bends automatically engage with grooves in the front plate to provide self-locking attachment, and the same structure allows easy self-release when force is applied, making the fastening mechanism self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the holding part is attached close to the opening, then the label visibility is improved, but the visual aesthetics deteriorate due to visible fastening devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel visibilityVSAvoidvisual aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The holding part is positioned asymmetrically on the upper or lower side of the opening rather than centered, allowing optimal label visibility while keeping fastening devices hidden on the opposite side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is extracted to the edges of the holding part where it is invisible from the front view, separating the functional attachment element from the visible aesthetic surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 convenient and aesthetically pleasing attachment of inscription carriers with easy label changes, maintaining a stable connection while allowing for visual integration with the distribution box, enhancing user experience and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting web is formed by a U-shaped, preferably resilient bend in the holding part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Projections that increase the clamping force between the connecting web and the groove can be formed in the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2151901B1Distribution box
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2151901B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2151901B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The junction box has an elongated opening (1) in a front wall, which holds switching operating elements (2) that are arranged in switching devices (3). A holding part (8) is attached at longitudinal side of the opening, where equipments (9,10) are provided for connecting transparent retainer of label holder to the junction box.