Adaptor Plate Mounting for DIN Rail Devices in Junction Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical junction boxes lack an efficient method to securely mount DIN rail devices without requiring extensive space and avoiding electrical wiring, making it difficult to pivot DIN rail devices into position.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor plate is designed to securely attach to the front of an electrical junction box, featuring a DIN rail engagement portion that fits into the DIN rail device's recess, with mounting slots for the device's latches, allowing for secure mounting without needing additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DIN rail device is mounted using a traditional DIN rail section within the junction box, then the device can be securely mounted, but sufficient room must be available within the junction box and the device must be pivoted into position requiring even more room
Solution Approach 1:
An adaptor plate is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the junction box and the DIN rail device. The adaptor plate includes a front plate portion that mounts to the junction box front and a DIN rail engagement portion that secures the DIN rail device, eliminating the need for traditional DIN rail sections inside the junction box and reducing space requirements.
2Reliability
If a DIN rail device is mounted by pivoting it into position on a DIN rail section, then the device can be secured, but additional room is required for the pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor plate is pre-assembled with the DIN rail device before installation. The DIN rail device is attached to the DIN rail engagement portion of the adaptor plate, which has already been configured with mounting slots and engagement features. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for pivoting motions during installation, as the entire assembly can be directly mounted to the junction box.
3Volume of stationary object
If an adaptor plate is used to secure the DIN rail device to the junction box front, then space within the junction box is saved, but the adaptor plate structure must be designed to span across the junction box front
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor plate is segmented into two distinct portions: a front plate portion that interfaces with the junction box front and a DIN rail engagement portion that interfaces with the DIN rail device. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall structure compared to a monolithic design.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor plate includes a front plate that is configured to span across at least a portion of a front of an electrical junction box and includes one or more adaptor plate mounting features configured to align with corresponding mounting features of the electrical junction box. A DIN rail engagement portion extends backward from the front plate (and into the junction box) and is configured to fit at least partially into an elongated DIN rail mounting recess of a DIN rail device. In some cases, a first mounting slot is disposed within a first side of the DIN rail engagement portion for receiving a first mounting latch of the DIN rail device, and a second mounting slot is disposed within a second side of the DIN rail engagement portion for receiving a second mounting latch of the DIN rail device.