Structural assembly for supporting electrical and/or electronic modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical conduits lack flexibility in terms of the number and arrangement of connection points, making them inadequate for supporting a growing number of electronic devices that require power and data connections, especially in variable locations.

Innovation Solution

A structural assembly comprising a longitudinally extending tubular structure with grooves for angular retention, cavities for housing cables, and elastically deformable flanges to facilitate cable access and reconfiguration, allowing for easier installation, removal, and reconfiguration of electrical and electronic modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple electrical and electronic elements are anchored to furniture or structural elements, then the number of connection points increases, but the flexibility and adaptability of the arrangement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connection pointsVSAvoidflexibility of arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conduit is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently positioned and configured. Each segment contains connection points that can be accessed and reconfigured without affecting other segments, enabling both multiple connection points and flexible arrangement adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the connection points to be dynamically repositioned along the conduit length. This enables the arrangement to adapt to different user needs while maintaining multiple connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If electrical and electronic elements are fixed to furniture or walls, then structural stability is improved, but ease of reconfiguration and replacement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the stable structural conduit from the reconfigurable electrical elements. The conduit provides structural stability while the modular elements can be easily removed, replaced, or repositioned within the conduit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit acts as an intermediary structure that provides stable support while allowing flexible access to electrical elements. The elements are held within the conduit structure rather than directly anchored to furniture or walls, enabling easy reconfiguration without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If outlets are arranged in fixed locations, then manufacturing and installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet positions are made dynamically adjustable within the conduit structure. While the conduit itself has a fixed manufactured form, the electrical elements within can be repositioned to different locations along the conduit, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability to user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of electrical and electronic elements at various positions. This multi-functional design allows a single conduit installation to serve different user needs without requiring custom manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The structural assembly provides a flexible and adaptable solution for supporting electrical and electronic modules, enabling easy reconfiguration and increased connectivity as needed, while maintaining a neat and organized cable management system.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one flange is configured to be elastically deformed in order to establish a passage to the corresponding cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3904744B1Structural assembly for supporting electrical and/or electronic modules

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ESPANA SA

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Figure 2~3
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AI summary

The invention relates to a structural assembly for supporting electrical and/or electronic modules, the structural assembly comprising a longitudinally extending tubular structure (1) defining a support end (1.1) and an operational end (1.2), axially opposed to the support end (1.1); a base (2; 3) for holding the tubular structure (1) by the support end (1.1); at least one longitudinally extending groove (1.3) configured to exert angular retention of the electrical and/or electronic modules such that they are prevented from being rotationally moved; at least one longitudinally extending cavity (1.4) configured to house at least one power or data cable; and at least one flange (4) for each cavity (1.4), the at least one flange (4) being arranged to cover access to the cavity (1.4) whereon it is arranged.