Claw-and-Rail Casing Assembly for Tool-Free Tube Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for electrical casings on solar trackers, particularly those using screws and nuts, are time-consuming for assembly and disassembly, especially when configured with torque tubes, which hampers efficiency and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system utilizing adjustment claws and rails, where the claws have protuberances that form a secure interconnection with the casing and tube, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without compromising robustness, featuring a combination of form closure and pivotability, and optionally enhanced with magnetic auxiliary parts for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and nuts are used to fasten the casing to the torque tube, then the connection is robust and secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: adjustment claws with protuberances for secure engagement, rails for positioning, and magnetic auxiliary parts for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick assembly while maintaining robust connection through the interlocking claw-rail-protuberance mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-and-nut mechanical fastening system is replaced with a claw-rail mechanism that uses form closure and geometric interlocking. The adjustment claws with protuberances engage with the rails to provide secure fastening without requiring threaded fasteners, thereby eliminating the time-consuming screwing and unscrewing operations while maintaining connection reliability
2Strength
If a secure and robust fastening is achieved, then the casing remains firmly attached to the tube, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment claws are designed with pivotability, allowing them to dynamically adapt to slight misalignments between the casing and torque tube during assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment, while the claws maintain strong fastening strength once engaged with the rails
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic auxiliary parts automatically align and guide the adjustment claws into the correct position on the rails during assembly. This self-aligning feature reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, while ensuring strong and reliable fastening through the magnetic guidance mechanism
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 rapid and secure fastening and disassembly of electrical casings to tubes, maintaining structural integrity and reducing assembly time while ensuring the casings remain securely attached, even when handling heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
optionally enhanced with magnetic auxiliary parts for additional stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for fastening a casing (1) to a tube (2) which, according to a first aspect of the invention, comprises a claw (4) provided with protuberances (6, 7), and, according to a second aspect of the invention, comprises an incorporation of first rails (10) on side faces of the casing (1), and second rails (18) on an upper face of the casing (1) to hook onto the protuberances (6, 7). The claw (4) can pivot with respect to the first protuberances (6), both to house the tube (2) and to hook onto the second rail (18), as well as to surround and press against the tube (2), once the second rail (18) is hooked. The fastening system allows for a faster and more ergonomic fastening without the use of tools and elements such as connecting screws and bolts.