Adjustable Holding Device for Mounting Rail Electrical Apparatuses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for electrical apparatuses on mounting rails require different types of holding plates to accommodate apparatuses of varying lengths, leading to increased production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable holding device with a sliding sledge element and locking mechanism that allows adjustable positioning to fit electrical apparatuses of different lengths, using hook-shaped fixing members and an elastic locking element to securely attach to both the apparatus and the mounting rail without needing tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different types of holding plates are provided for electrical apparatuses of varying lengths, then all apparatus lengths can be accommodated, but production costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different apparatus lengthsVSAvoidnumber of holding plate types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate electrical apparatuses of different lengths through a single unified design. The holding plate incorporates adjustable elements and a locking mechanism that adapts to various apparatus dimensions without requiring multiple specialized plate types, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device employs dynamic adjustable elements including a sliding component and a locking mechanism that can be positioned at multiple locations along the holding plate. This dynamic structure allows the holding device to adapt its configuration to match different apparatus lengths, providing a flexible solution that replaces multiple static holding plate designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of holding plates are provided for electrical apparatuses of varying lengths, then all apparatus lengths can be accommodated, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different apparatus lengthsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal holding plate that serves multiple length requirements, the manufacturer produces only one type of holding plate instead of multiple specialized types. This universality streamlines the manufacturing process, reduces inventory requirements, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate various apparatus lengths through the integrated adjustable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple holding plate types into a single unified device. By combining the capabilities of what would otherwise require separate holding plates for different apparatus lengths into one multi-functional unit, the design simplifies production and reduces manufacturing costs associated with producing, storing, and managing multiple product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reconfigurable holding device with sliding and locking mechanisms is used, then a single device can accommodate different apparatus lengths, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable positioning for different lengthsVSAvoidstructure of holding device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device incorporates a sliding element that can move along the holding plate and a locking mechanism that secures the sliding element at predetermined positions. This dynamic structure enables a single device to adapt to different apparatus lengths by adjusting the position of the sliding element, providing versatility while managing structural complexity through a standardized mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure attachment of electrical apparatuses of varying lengths to a standard mounting rail without the need for multiple holding plates, reducing production costs and simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

a locking element, in particular an elastic locking element (33), provided to selectively engage at least a first or a second retaining seat (34, 35)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2020718B1Holding device for coupling an electrical apparatus to an apparatus mounting rail
Publication Date: 2012.09.05 BTICINO
  • EP2020718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2020718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2020718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holding device (11) for coupling an electrical apparatus (10) to an apparatus mounting rail (13) is described. The holding device comprises: - a primary structure (22), comprising first (29) and second (30) fixing means, spaced apart along a direction corresponding to an extension of the electrical apparatus, in order to removably fix said electrical apparatus (10) to the holding device (11); and - coupling means (45, 46, 47) for removably coupling the holding device (11) to said apparatus mounting rail (13). In the holding device (11) at least one of said first (29) and second (30) fixing means is movable between at least two distinct and predetermined locking positions, in order to vary the distance between said first and second fixing means.