Integrated Wall Module Base and Terminal Strip Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing electrical equipment modules in juxtaposed positions on walls are lengthy, difficult to center, result in additional thickness, are not suitable for hollow partitions, and incur high manufacturing costs due to numerous components, with overheating and electrical losses at connection zones.

Innovation Solution

A simplified assembly where part of the connection strip forms a one-piece assembly with a module, allowing direct attachment to the wall without creating an oblong opening, reducing component count, and using welding or crimping to connect conductors, which minimizes overheating and electrical losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two separate modules with a connection strip are used to install electrical equipment in juxtaposed position, then the installation can be performed on hollow partitions and centering is simplified, but the assembly produces large extra thickness and requires multiple separate components increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection strip and module base into a single integrated base structure. The connection strip is formed as an integral part of the module base, eliminating the need for separate connection strips and reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to install multiple modules in juxtaposed position on hollow partitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If modules are fixed directly to the wall without engagement in the wall, then installation is simplified, but large extra thickness is produced which is unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidprotrusion thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the base in the direction perpendicular to the wall (the third dimension) to create a reduced protrusion configuration. The base is designed with an extended portion that allows the module to engage partially with the wall structure, reducing the extra thickness while maintaining direct fixation simplicity

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

3Reliability

If pins of connection strips are oriented towards the front for connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but the module thickness must be greater than pin length creating additional protrusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmodule thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional orientation by having the connection elements extend from the rear of the base rather than the front. This allows electrical connection to be made from the rear side, eliminating the need for the module thickness to accommodate front-oriented pins and reducing overall protrusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If conventional screwing methods are used to center modules, then secure fixation is achieved, but perfect centering along horizontal axis is difficult and installation becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidcentering ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary centering features directly into the base structure, such as pre-positioned mounting holes or alignment guides that automatically center the module during installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex screwing operations to achieve perfect centering while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate elements are used to assemble modules and connection strips, then flexibility in assembly is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to large number of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate elements (module base, connection strip, mounting structure) into a single integrated base component. This merging reduces the number of parts to manufacture and assemble, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the flexibility to configure different module arrangements through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies and stabilizes the installation process, reduces the assembly's protrusion from the wall, allows for easier adjustment, and decreases manufacturing costs while minimizing overheating and electrical losses at connection points.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical conductors housed in the base of the connection strip can be connected to the terminals of this module by factory, for example by welding or crimping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3329561B1Assembly of electric devices
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP3329561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329561B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3329561B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly of electrical appliances to be mounted in a wall (1), comprising: two different modules (100, 200), each comprising a base housing electric terminals, one of said bases being equipped with means for securing in a junction box (10), the other base being equipped with means (230) for securing in a cavity (3) provided in the wall (1); and a terminal strip (300) comprising a base housing electrical conductors for connecting the electric terminals of one of the modules to the electric terminals of the other module. According to the invention, at least part of the base of the terminal strip is integral with at least part of the base of one of the two modules.