Universal Slide Rail for Electrical Cabinets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching and distribution cabinets require a large number of different profile mounting devices due to varying profile shapes and dimensions, limiting flexibility and efficiency in interior design and component arrangement.

Innovation Solution

A slide rail system with an adjustment grid allows for the installation of different profile types, such as C and U profiles, within the same cabinet without additional conversions, using a receiving device that can be fixed to the cabinet wall and adapted to various depths, enabling flexible placement and use of profiles across different cabinet sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different profile shapes and dimensions (C-profiles and U-profiles) are used for different cabinet heights, then the cabinet structure can be optimized for specific height requirements, but a large number of different receiving elements and mounting devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet structure adaptability to different heightsVSAvoidnumber of different receiving elements and mounting devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide rail is designed with a universal T-shaped cross-section that can accommodate both C-profiles and U-profiles through a single receiving element. The receiving element features a U-shaped groove that universally accepts different profile types, eliminating the need for separate mounting devices for each profile shape and reducing the total number of components required.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rail's position along the cabinet wall can be adjusted to different heights, allowing the same profile type to be used for various cabinet heights. This parameter adjustment (vertical positioning) replaces the need for different profile shapes, thereby reducing the variety of receiving elements needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple specialized mounting devices are provided for different profile types, then each profile can be properly supported, but the interior design and component arrangement become less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile support stabilityVSAvoidflexibility in interior design and component arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element with its U-shaped groove provides universal support for both C-profiles and U-profiles, maintaining reliable profile support while allowing free choice in profile selection and arrangement. The standardized interface enables flexible interior design without compromising support stability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rail can be positioned at different heights along the cabinet wall, providing dynamic adaptability in the mounting system. This allows flexible arrangement of electrical components at various heights while maintaining stable profile support through the same receiving element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If C-profiles with larger dimensions are used for taller cabinets, then sufficient stability is achieved, but the same profiles cannot be used in shorter cabinets without additional conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet stabilityVSAvoidprofile interchangeability across cabinet sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing profile dimensions, the position parameter of the slide rail is adjusted to match different cabinet heights. The same C-profile or U-profile can be mounted at different heights by repositioning the slide rail, achieving adaptability across cabinet sizes without requiring profile conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element is designed to universally support both C-profiles and U-profiles of the same dimensions, allowing the same profile type to be used across different cabinet heights. This eliminates the need for size-specific profile variations and enables profile interchangeability.

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

4Reliability

If different profile types require different cabinet types, then each cabinet is optimized for its specific profile, but cabinet standardization and part sharing are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile-cabinet compatibilityVSAvoidcabinet type variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element with its U-shaped groove provides a universal mounting interface that accepts both C-profiles and U-profiles. This allows a single cabinet design to support multiple profile types, eliminating the need for separate cabinet types for different profiles while maintaining reliable compatibility.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2453538B1Electrical switch and/or distribution cabinet
Publication Date: 2016.06.15 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP2453538B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP2453538B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~7
  • EP2453538B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical switchgear and/or distribution cabinet (10) with meter and distribution panels provided therein, in which support profiles (18) are provided for mounting electrical and/or electronic components, such as electrical meters and circuit breakers, wherein the support profiles (18) are designed as C-profiles or as U-profiles, wherein a slide rail (12) is provided in conjunction with at least one receiving device (14, 16) for receiving a support profile (18), wherein the support profiles (18) differ with regard to their shape, profile and dimensions, wherein the slide rail (12) is fixedly connected at predetermined positions to the respective wall (20) of the switchgear and/or distribution cabinet (10) and the respective receiving device (14, 16) can be fixed locally on the slide rail (12).