Adapter Plate Mounting for Connection Devices on Closed Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices in control technology are limited in their ability to be mounted on closed walls without damaging the elements or requiring complex constructions, and they often struggle with dust and moisture penetration.

Innovation Solution

An adapter plate with a cutout for accommodating raised elements of the connection device, allowing it to be mounted on a closed wall while preventing dust and moisture ingress, and featuring holders for easy mounting on rails or walls, with adjustable protective elements for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection devices are mounted on closed walls using conventional methods, then mounting is possible, but elements of the connection device are damaged or complex constructions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidelement integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the connection device and the closed wall. The adapter plate has a cutout that accommodates the holder elements, allowing the connection device to be mounted on the wall without the holder elements being damaged during installation or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the adapter plate is thin, then mounting is simpler, but dust and moisture can penetrate through the cutout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter plate simplicityVSAvoiddust and moisture penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extends from a two-dimensional flat plate to a three-dimensional structure by adding an overhang that protrudes from the adapter plate. This overhang creates a protective ledge that prevents dust and moisture from penetrating into the cutout, while the adapter plate itself remains relatively thin and simple.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connection device is fixed rigidly, then mounting stability is improved, but reconfiguration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder elements are designed with adjustable characteristics, allowing them to be positioned and fixed at different locations. The displacement means enables the holder elements to be adjusted along the adapter plate, providing both stable mounting when fixed and reconfiguration capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2738884B1Mounting of a connection device
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP2738884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2738884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2738884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The arrangement (1) has a testing device (2) inserted into a connection device (3) and provided for testing and measuring electrical values of electrical devices connected to the connection device. The connection device comprises connection units and a lower side, where the connection device is partially connected to an adapter plate (9) over the lower side. The adapter plate is mounted at a closed wall, and has a surface contour that is partially adapted to surface contour of the lower side. The connection device has holders (4b) for fastening the connection device to a supporting rail (25).