CABINET ASSEMBLY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of and priority to India Patent Application No. 202421090230, filed on November 20, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Cabinets used in industrial, commercial, and transportation settings are often subjected to harsh conditions during transit, including long-distance travel, mechanical stresses, and variable environmental factors. These cabinets are typically exposed to a range of forces such as vibrations, impact loads, and stress from shifting or uneven surfaces, which can lead to structural deformations, misalignments, and even damage to sensitive equipment stored within. The effects of these forces can compromise the functionality of the cabinet and shorten its service life, particularly when the cabinet is used to house delicate or valuable components.

Traditionally, efforts to improve the durability of cabinets during transport have involved reinforcing the cabinet’s frame or incorporating shock-absorbing materials. While these approaches may mitigate some of the stresses encountered, they often come with trade-offs, such as increased weight, higher production costs, and more complicated assembly processes. These drawbacks can limit the effectiveness of the solutions and complicate the adoption of such cabinets in diverse transportation applications.

There remains a need for a cabinet assembly that enhances its structural integrity during transportation, but without significantly adding to its weight or complexity. Ideally, such a solution would be cost-effective, easy to assemble, and versatile enough to be adapted for use across various cabinet configurations and transportation methods.

Therefore, the present invention addresses these challenges by providing a cabinet assembly that reduces the impact of transportation stresses and enhances overall durability, while maintaining a simple, lightweight, and cost-efficient arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a cabinet assembly for transportation. The disclosed assembly incorporates includes a base frame that serves as the foundation, providing essential load-bearing support for the overall structure. One or more vertical support members extend upward from the base frame to maintain upright position of the cabinet assembly and enhance its structural integrity. One or more side panels and a top panel are attached to the one or more vertical support members, forming an enclosed housing that protects the internal components from external hazards. At least one transportation stiffener bracket is attached to the base frame.

In an aspect, a cabinet assembly for transportation is disclosed. The cabinet assembly may include comprising a base frame structured to provide foundational support and load-bearing capacity for the cabinet assembly and its contents. The cabinet assembly may include one or more vertical support members extending upward from the base frame, providing structural reinforcement and maintaining upright orientation of the cabinet assembly. The cabinet assembly may comprise one or more side panels and a top panel affixed to the vertical support members, forming an enclosed structure for housing components or equipment. The cabinet assembly may comprise at least one transportation stiffener bracket attached to the base frame. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket may comprise a sloped section configured to distribute load and reduce moment forces along multiple axes. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket may further comprise a reinforcement element integrated into the at least one transportation stiffener bracket to provide enhanced stiffness to the cabinet assembly. The cabinet assembly may include fastening mechanisms configured to secure the base frame, the one or more vertical support members, the one or more side panels, the top panel, and the at least one transportation stiffener bracket together, creating a unified structure resistant to transportation-induced stresses.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures of the drawing, which are included to provide a further understanding of general aspects of the assembly, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the suffix.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a transportation cabinet assembly.

FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the transportation cabinet assembly.

FIG. 2A illustrates an operative view of the transportation stiffener bracket.

FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed view of a slope section of the transportation stiffener bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a cabinet assembly for transportation, specifically configured to house sensitive electronic components while offering enhanced structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, according to a present embodiment. This assembly can address the need for reliable protection during transit, where cabinets are exposed to dynamic forces, vibrations, and/or potential impacts.

The cabinet assembly can include a base frame that serves as the foundation, providing essential load-bearing support to the overall structure. In an embodiment, one or more vertical support members extend upward from the base frame, helping to maintain upright orientation of the cabinet and reinforcing its structural stability. One or more side panels and a top panel can be configured to attach to these one or more vertical support members, forming an enclosed space that shields the internal components from environmental hazards and external impacts. At least one transportation stiffener bracket is attached to the base frame.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the transportation cabinet assembly 100. The figure highlights the overall configuration of the cabinet, or the cabinet assembly 100, which includes the base frame 110 as the primary support structure, along with one or more vertical support members 120, one or more side panels 130, and top panel 140. This view helps illustrate the general arrangement of the key structural components of the cabinet assembly 100. Further, the base frame 110, one or more vertical support members 120, one or more side panels 130, and top panel 140 are configured to provide modular assembly, allowing for disassembly and reassembly without compromising the stability and structural integrity of the cabinet assembly 100.

The base frame 110 serves as the foundational support structure for the entire cabinet assembly 100. It is designed to bear the weight of both the cabinet itself and any sensitive equipment housed within. The base frame provides essential load-bearing support to ensure the overall stability and integrity of the assembly during transportation.

The one or more vertical support members 120 extend upward from the base frame 110, helping to maintain upright position of the cabinet assembly 100 during transport. These support members reinforce the structure of the cabinet assembly 100 and provide additional stability to prevent misalignment or collapse under dynamic loads.

The one or more side panels 130 and top panel 140 are attached to the one or more vertical support members 120, forming an enclosed housing that provides protection for sensitive equipment. These panels act as barriers against environmental hazards such as dust, moisture, and impact forces that may be encountered during transit. Further, the one or more side panels 130 and top panel 140 can be constructed with modular design elements, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without compromising the structural rigidity provided by the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150.

FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the transportation cabinet assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. At least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is attached to the base frame 110 to improve resistance to transportation-induced stresses, according to a present embodiment. Moreover, geometry of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is as such that includes stress-distribution contours configured to gradually diffuse stress, reducing peak loads at critical points of the cabinet structure 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates an operative view of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 includes the sloped section 151, which helps to distribute the applied load over a larger area and reduce moment forces along multiple axes. This design reduces stress concentrations that could otherwise lead to deformation or damage during transport.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sloped section 151 of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may features a contoured shape to reduce stress concentrations at connection points of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be configured to accommodate variable thicknesses and profiles, allowing customization based on specific load-bearing and dimensional requirements of different cabinet models across diverse product lines. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be configured to maintain alignment of the cabinet assembly 100 by counteracting deflection forces, ensuring consistent positioning of internal components even during prolonged transportation or handling. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be coated with a corrosion-resistant material or finish, protecting the bracket 150 and base frame 110 from environmental degradation and ensuring durability under various transport and storage conditions. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be engineered with vibration-damping materials or coatings that further absorb and dissipate shock energy, thereby reducing the impact of vibrational forces on internal components housed within the cabinet assembly 100. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be configured with an anti-vibration layer to reduce transmission of vibrations from the base frame 110 to other parts of the cabinet assembly 100. The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be engineered to direct and evenly distribute impact forces resulting from vertical drops, reducing likelihood of damage to the cabinet assembly 100 or its contents during accidental impacts.

FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed view of a slope section 151 of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration of the sloped section 151 helps spread applied forces across a larger area, minimizing stress concentrations and thereby reducing the likelihood of deformation or structural failure during transit. The sloped section 151 of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket can be configured to enhance the load distribution and structural rigidity of the cabinet assembly 100 during transit. The sloped section 151 of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be positioned at an optimal angle to balance and counteract lateral forces.

The sloped section 151 may serve to reduce moment forces by redirecting load along multiple axes, thereby minimizing stress concentrations that could otherwise lead to deformation or damage. This configuration helps to ensure that the cabinet assembly 100 remains stable and maintains its integrity under dynamic loading conditions commonly encountered during transportation.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include at least one of built-in stress-relief cutouts or slots that at least one of mitigate stress concentrations or deter the initiation of cracks under high load conditions.

Furthermore, per a present embodiment, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may also incorporate a reinforcement element 152, such as ribbing or gusseting, which adds additional rigidity and resistance to deformation. In other words, enhancing the rigidity of the bracket and further decreasing localized yielding, thus, preventing permanent deformation under stress. Thus, the reinforcement element ensures that the bracket 150 maintains its structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of permanent bending or failure under stress.

The configuration of the bracket 150, including the sloped section 151 and the reinforcement element 152, can result in a reduction of peak Von-Mises stress within the base frame 110, extending the operational lifespan of the cabinet assembly 100 and ensuring its reliability.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be configured to provide additional performance benefits, such as reducing stress concentrations and distributing loads effectively. The bracket’s construction can reduce total deformation, helping to maintain cabinet alignment and safeguard internal components. The total deformation of the cabinet assembly 100 can be reduced from approximately 8 mm to 2.1 mm, achieved through the integration of the sloped section 151 of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150, which redistributes force along optimized load paths. To further enhance resilience, the bracket 150 may be fabricated with materials that absorb impacts and/or dampen vibrations, such as anti-vibration layers and/or elastomeric inserts (e.g., formed of rubber or another elastomeric material), reducing the transmission of forces from the base frame 110 to other parts of the cabinet assembly 100. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include integrated features to further mitigate stress concentrations during transport. In one embodiment, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include integrated channels or guides receiving cabling, enhancing organization and minimizing damage to cables during transport.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include a modular extension system that allows for quick adaptation to different cabinet 100 sizes, enabling scalability and flexibility for various transportation applications. Further, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include a self-locking mechanism at its connection points with the base frame 110, enhancing security against at least one of loosening or displacement during long-distance transport.

Additionally, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 and base frame 110 may feature corrosion-resistant finishes to ensure durability in various environments, including those with exposure to moisture or chemicals. The cabinet assembly 100 also allows for customization, with adaptable thicknesses and profiles for the bracket 150 to meet specific load-bearing and design requirements across different models. For protection against temperature variations, the bracket 150 may include a thermal expansion joint or flexible section, while an anti-static coating can reduce electrostatic discharge risks, safeguarding sensitive electronics within the cabinet 100. In other words, the thermal expansion joint or flexible section allows the cabinet assembly 100 to accommodate changes in temperature without compromising structural integrity. Further, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include additional mounting points configured to accommodate accessories or additional support elements, allowing for customization based on specific transportation requirements.

Fastening mechanisms 160 can be employed throughout the assembly to securely join the base frame 110, one or more vertical support members 120, one or more side panels 130, top panel 140, and/or at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150. These mechanisms 160, which may include high-strength bolts, rivets, and/or welds, can be positioned at strategic points to ensure that the cabinet 100 remains a cohesive, unified structure resistant to loosening under vibrational forces. In high-stress areas, a combination of adhesive bonding and mechanical fasteners may be used to increase security. In other words, the fastening mechanisms 160 are positioned strategically along the edges of the base frame 110, securing the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 and other components together to create a cohesive and stable structure that can withstand transportation-induced stresses. Further, the fastening mechanisms 160 may be spaced and positioned to minimize torsional forces on the base frame 110, reducing the likelihood of twisting or bending during transport. This configuration ensures that the cabinet assembly 100 maintains its integrity and protective qualities under dynamic conditions, effectively securing its contents throughout transportation.

The modular configuration of the cabinet assembly 100 can permit easy disassembly and reassembly, allowing for efficient maintenance and flexibility in component replacement. The base frame 110 and at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can also configured to be stackable, enabling multiple cabinets 100 to be safely transported and/or stored together without compromising structural integrity. Further, the base frame 110 and at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be integrated with shock-absorbing pads or mounts to further reduce the impact forces transferred through the cabinet structure 100 during loading and unloading.

Overall, the present disclosure can provide a robust and versatile cabinet assembly 100 that combines enhanced structural support, adaptability, and protective features, making it highly suitable for the industrial transportation of electronic equipment. Through careful configuration of structural elements (such as the base frame 110, one or more vertical support members 120, one or more side panels 130, top panel 140, at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150, and/or fastening mechanisms 160) and material choices, the cabinet assembly 100 can offer dependable protection and extended service life under rigorous transportation conditions.

In an operative configuration, the cabinet assembly 100 and the base frame 110 can serve as the primary load-bearing foundation, supporting the entire structure and its contents. The base frame can be configured with the one or more vertical support members (not shown in the figure) that connect to one or more side panels and a top panel, forming an enclosed cabinet to house sensitive equipment or electronic components.

According to an embodiment, attached to the base frame 110 are one or more transportation stiffener brackets 150 featuring sloped sections 151. These sloped sections are specifically configured to distribute loads effectively by directing forces along multiple axes, thus reducing concentrated stresses that can compromise the cabinet’s structure during transit. Fastening mechanisms 160 can be strategically positioned along the edges of the base frame and brackets, securing all components into a unified structure. This assembly can provide a stable, cohesive structure capable of withstanding transportation-induced forces, helping ensure that all parts remain securely connected and helping maintain the alignment of the internal components during transport.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is optimized to decrease Von-Mises stress, minimize total deformation, and mitigate localized yielding within the cabinet assembly 100, thus enhancing the cabinet’s structural integrity, reducing the risk of damage during transport, and extending the lifespan of the cabinet structure. Specifically, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 reduces Von-Mises stress within the base frame 110 from approximately 210 MPa to 175 MPa and is configured to withstand dynamic loads and vibrational stresses encountered during transport, ensuring robustness under variable transport conditions.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may include a series of angled ribs or fins 153 that enhance load distribution across the bracket 150, reducing the risk of deformation under heavy loads. In another embodiment, the sloped section 151 of the transportation stiffener bracket may configure with an angle that strategically counters forces in multiple directions, thereby, reducing moments and effectively distributing applied loads across a larger surface area of the base frame 110.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is fabricated from high-strength materials, such as alloy steel or reinforced composite, chosen for their resistance to wear and fatigue under dynamic loading during transport. The material composition may include a combination of high-strength steel and a corrosion-resistant alloy, ensuring durability in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, and varying temperatures. Further, surface of the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be treated with an anti-static coating, reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge and providing protection for sensitive electronic components stored within the cabinet assembly 100.

As per the embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet structure 100, including the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150, is engineered to comply with industry standards for transport durability, including impact resistance and vibration tolerance.

The at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is optimized with a lightweight design that provides the necessary structural reinforcement without significantly increasing the overall weight of the cabinet 100, thereby enhancing transport efficiency. Moreover, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is configured to absorb both static and dynamic loads, providing a hybrid solution that enhances the performance of the cabinet 100 under stationary loads as well as during movement. Further, the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 is engineered to absorb both compression and tensile forces, providing bi-directional stress resistance that further enhances the structural stability of the cabinet 100.

The fastening mechanisms 160, securing structural components of the cabinet 100, are configured to absorb and dissipate impact forces, and thereby, preventing the propagation of stress waves that could lead to structural failure. Further, the fastening mechanisms 160 may attach the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 to the base frame 110 and include a combination of adhesive bonding and mechanical fasteners, providing dual-layered security to resist detachment under severe transport conditions. The fastening mechanisms 160 securing the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 to the base frame 110 may comprise at least one of high-strength bolts or welded joints positioned at load-critical points, ensuring a secure connection that resists loosening under repeated transport cycles.

The reduction in localized yielding provided by the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 may lead to minimizing material fatigue, extending the operational lifespan of the cabinet 100 under frequent transportation scenarios. Further, the base frame 110 and the at least one transportation stiffener bracket 150 can be aligned such that the weight distribution of the cabinet 100 contents is optimized, reducing asymmetric loading and enhancing the balance of the cabinet during transport.

Advantageously, the cabinet assembly 100 can provide several key benefits in terms of durability, stability, and protection during transportation. The sloped sections 151 of the one or more transportation stiffener brackets 150 enhance load distribution, reducing the concentration of forces that could lead to deformation and/or structural failure. This design effectively minimizes the risk of damage to the cabinet and its contents, particularly under dynamic transport conditions involving vibrations, impacts, or sudden movements. The use of robust fastening mechanisms 160 can further help ensure the integrity of the structure, minimizing and/or even preventing loosening or misalignment of components. Additionally, the configuration allows for a modular, stackable design, making the cabinet assembly suitable for a range of applications across different transportation environments. The result can be a cabinet assembly that combines strength, ease of assembly, and long-term durability, providing reliable protection for sensitive equipment throughout its transit.

The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, a transportation cabinet, which securely holds sensitive equipment during transportation, reducing the chances of damage from movement, vibrations, or impacts. The present invention supports its contents and keeps it stable during transport. Further, the transportation cabinet assembly keeps the cabinet upright and help it stay strong and steady while being moved and helps spread weight and reduce strain, preventing wear or damage to the cabinet during transport. The present invention protects sensitive electronics inside the cabinet from static electricity, reducing the risk of electronic damage. Further, the present invention allows for simple maintenance and part replacement; and/or ensures the safe transport of valuable components by minimizing wear, stress, and potential impact damage.

The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and/or tables discussed herein are examples. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with different types of context awareness classifiers.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of +20% or +10%, +5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.