Modular Carrier Assembly With Web Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electronic systems face challenges in achieving effective and efficient mechanical and electrical connections between different electronic function modules, which are often complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

The use of support elements with web receptacles and side bars that form a self-supporting arrangement, allowing for easy and stable mechanical connection, and the integration of electrical cables for secure electrical connections, enabling a compact and easy-to-assemble system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical and electrical connections are used between electronic function modules, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is divided into modular components with standardized web receptacles and side bars that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components that combine to create reliable connections without requiring complex integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support element design with standardized web receptacles and side bars creates a universal connection system that can accommodate multiple electronic function modules using the same connection mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for different connection types for different modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular electronic systems are assembled with multiple function modules, then functional versatility is improved, but assembly effort and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are pre-configured with web receptacles and side bars during manufacturing, so that during assembly, no additional preparation or adjustment is needed. The modules can be directly connected by inserting side bars into web receptacles, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system allows for dynamic assembly and disassembly of electronic function modules. The side bars can be easily inserted into and removed from web receptacles, enabling rapid reconfiguration of modular systems to accommodate different functional requirements without time-consuming permanent installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If individual electronic function modules are installed with high protection ratings, then reliability is improved, but mechanical stability and connection ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection ratingVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side bars are designed to be inserted into web receptacles that are formed as indentations in the support elements. This nested structure allows the connection components to be housed within the protected modules during installation, maintaining high protection ratings while enabling easy insertion and connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3556190B1Assembly of carriers for electronic modules
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3556190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement of support elements (100) for holding electronic function modules (133-1, 133-2, 133-x); having a first support element (100-1), wherein the first support element (100-1) has a top side (101-1) and a bottom side (103-1), wherein a first web receptacle (105-1) is formed in the top side (101-1), and wherein a second web receptacle (107-1) is formed in the bottom side (103-1); and a second support element (100-2), wherein the second support element (100-2) has a first side web (111-2) and a second side web (113-2), wherein the first side web (111-2) can be inserted into the first web receptacle (105-1), and wherein the second side web (113-2) can be inserted into the second web receptacle (107-1).