Clamping device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for operating units, such as HVAC or smart home components, are limited in their application and functionality, primarily designed for attachment to walls with no provision for energy storage or flexible installation options.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a base plate featuring fastening elements for secure installation, a locking unit for reversible connection, an energy store receiving unit for powering the operating unit, and a communication unit enabling wireless communication, along with a table stand for versatile orientation and display, expands the usability of operating units by allowing flexible installation, energy independence, and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a holding device is designed with multiple functional units (locking unit, energy store receiving unit, electrical connection unit), then the versatility and usability of the operating unit is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability of operating unitVSAvoidstructure of holding device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fastening to carrier devices, reversible locking of the operating unit, energy storage reception, electrical connection establishment, and table stand attachment. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate functions (fastening, locking, energy storage, electrical connection) into a single integrated holding device base plate. The fastening elements, locking unit, energy store receiving unit, and electrical connection unit are merged into one device structure, allowing the operating unit to benefit from all functions simultaneously without requiring multiple separate installation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the holding device includes an energy store receiving unit and electrical connection unit, then the operating unit achieves energy independence, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy independence of operating unitVSAvoidstructure of holding device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fastening to carrier devices, reversible locking of the operating unit, energy storage reception, electrical connection establishment, and table stand attachment. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate functions (fastening, locking, energy storage, electrical connection) into a single integrated holding device base plate. The fastening elements, locking unit, energy store receiving unit, and electrical connection unit are merged into one device structure, allowing the operating unit to benefit from all functions simultaneously without requiring multiple separate installation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the locking unit uses a spring element to prevent unwanted opening, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructure of locking unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element in the locking unit is designed to automatically engage and disengage the locking element with the receiving device without requiring external actuation. The spring provides self-service by maintaining constant contact force and automatically resetting after engagement, ensuring reliable connection while minimizing the need for additional control mechanisms or user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the base plate has multiple second fastening elements for table stand attachment, then the adaptability of installation orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation orientation flexibilityVSAvoidstructure of base plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fastening to carrier devices, reversible locking of the operating unit, energy storage reception, electrical connection establishment, and table stand attachment. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration.

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

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

The solution provides a flexible and energy-independent holding solution that allows for secure, versatile installation and operation of HVAC or smart home components, enabling wireless communication and maintaining display readability in various orientations, thus broadening the application scope of operating units.

Implementation Method 1

The locking unit has at least one spring element, which is designed in particular as a spring tongue or spiral extension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The base plate of the holding device also has at least one energy store receiving unit, which is designed to receive an energy store

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy store: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4050278A1Clamping device
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4050278A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4050278A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4050278A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device (10) for holding an operating unit (11), in particular an HVAC or smart home operating unit, comprising a base plate which has at least a first fastening element (32) for fastening to a support device, in particular a wall, and which has at least one locking unit (14) with a locking element (20), wherein the locking element (20) is configured to reversibly connect the receiving device (16) to the holding device (10), and which has an energy storage receiving unit (50) configured to receive an energy storage device, and which has an electrical connection unit (52, 54) for establishing an electrical connection between at least one energy storage device received in the energy storage receiving unit (50) and an operating unit (11) connected to the holding device (10).