Adapter With Elastic Compensation For Device Socket Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface mounting installation devices lack the ability to efficiently accommodate and secure different types of device bases, such as socket, switch, and button bases, on a single mounting plate without causing excessive stress or misalignment, which can lead to improper installation and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The use of adapters with elastic compensating elements and a uniform locking geometry allows for the secure fastening of various device bases to a common mounting plate, providing tolerance compensation and preventing excessive bending stress through a snap connection mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If different device bases are fastened directly to a mounting plate without adapters, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the alignment precision and stress distribution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the mounting plate and the device base. The adapter includes a mounting plate interface and a device base interface, allowing different device bases to be universally mounted while maintaining precise alignment and proper stress distribution through its designed geometric features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into three distinct components: the mounting plate, the adapter, and the device base. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting plate provides the mounting surface, the adapter provides tolerance compensation and alignment, and the device base provides the functional electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a universal mounting plate is used for different device bases, then manufacturing cost decreases, but stress distribution and alignment worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstress distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as a mediator that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses uniformly across the device base. It includes features such as annular brackets, latching elements, and elastic compensating elements that ensure even stress distribution regardless of the device base type being mounted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates elastic compensating elements that can deform elastically to accommodate tolerance variations in different device bases. This elastic deformation capability allows the system to maintain proper stress distribution and alignment while accommodating manufacturing tolerances of various device bases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If tolerance compensation is implemented, then stress on device base decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice base stress resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter includes elastic compensating elements that utilize elastic deformation to compensate for tolerance variations. These elements can elastically deform to absorb dimensional variations in different device bases, preventing excessive stress while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed with built-in elastic compensating elements that provide beforehand cushioning against potential excessive stress. These elements are pre-configured to deform elastically and absorb shock or misalignment before it can transmit harmful stresses to the device base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enables cost-effective manufacturing of surface-mounted devices, ensures precise alignment, and prevents damage by distributing stress evenly, ensuring that electrical contact parts remain in their predetermined position.

Implementation Method 1

two opposing elastic compensating elements (23) (flexible adapter surfaces) are arranged, which in the assembled state - see 2 - press resiliently against the stop surfaces (9) of the socket device base (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2009757B1Installation device with a device socket fixed to a mounting plate

Publication Date: 2017.09.27 ABB AG(DE)

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The device has a device socket (6) for retaining of electrical contact parts, where the device socket is fastened on a mounting plate (1). An adapter (12) is detachably connected to the mounting plate at one side using locking elements (13, 14). The adapter is pressed against a stop surface (9) of the device socket on another side using an elastic compensating element. The locking elements exhibit two edge-sided guiding bars, which limit a guiding surface that is provided for guiding snap-arms (2, 3) connected with the mounting plate.