C-Profile Rail Fastener with Multi-Axis Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for threaded rods to C-profile rails are limited in their versatility and ease of use, as they often require specific orientations and cannot efficiently attach rods to various types of openings on the rail, such as slots and side passage openings.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a gripping element that includes receptacles running perpendicular and parallel to the screw-in axis, allowing secure attachment of threaded rods to slots and side passage openings, featuring a ring-shaped design with through or blind holes and inner threads for positive fit, and a detachable wing nut and bracket with snap closure for versatile application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gripping element is inserted through the slot into the interior of the profile rail and turned around the screw-in axis to grip behind the leg of the profile rail, then the threaded rod can be securely attached to the slot, but the device cannot efficiently attach rods to side passage openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capability to different opening typesVSAvoidgripping element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping element is designed with multiple receptacles oriented in different directions (perpendicular to screw-in axis for side passage openings, parallel to screw-in axis for slot attachment) so that a single device can attach threaded rods to both slots and side passage openings, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fastening devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping element is divided into multiple functional sections with receptacles positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing each receptacle to serve specific attachment purposes while maintaining overall device integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping element has multiple receptacles for different orientations, then the application range is expanded, but the handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidhandling simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping element features asymmetric receptacle positioning and orientation that naturally guides the user's hand placement and rotation direction, making the device intuitive to operate despite having multiple receptacles for different spatial arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If the gripping element is made ring-shaped, then material resources and production effort are reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction effort and material usageVSAvoidgripping element structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped gripping element is designed with optimized wall thickness and cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient structural strength for securing threaded rods while minimizing material usage and simplifying production processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9631650B2Fastening device

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 HILTI AG

AI summary

A fastening device for fastening an element to the slot of a C-profile rail with a gripping element which can be inserted through the slot into the interior of the profile rail and which can be turned in the profile rail around at least one screw-in axis in such a way that it grips behind the leg of the profile rail that delimits the slot is provided. The gripping element has at least one receptacle that runs perpendicular to the screw-in axis and that serves to secure a threaded rod.