Collapsible Support with Locking Arms for Portable PLC and HMI Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, collapsible support that can easily transport and securely hold various electronic equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) and human machine interfaces (HMI) for testing, programming, and demonstration across different locations, as existing supports are often fixed, bulky, and inadequate for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable, collapsible support system comprising a base with a holding bar and a cover that pivots via locking arms and hinges, featuring a Din rail and mounting pegs for secure positioning of electronic equipment, allowing easy transport and versatile use in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed or permanently installed supports are used, then stability and security of electronic equipment is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a collapsible design with movable components including locking arms that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, and a cover that pivots between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the support to be stable during use (when locked) and easily transportable when collapsed (when unlocked), resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
2Strength
If bulky fixed supports are used, then load-bearing capacity and equipment security is improved, but device size and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional components: a base, a cover, locking arms, hinges, and mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base and cover can be compact yet strong, while the locking arms provide reinforcement only when needed. The segmented design enables the structure to achieve high load-bearing capacity during use while maintaining a compact form factor for transport.
3Ease of operation
If simple portable supports are used, then ease of transport is improved, but adaptability to different electronic equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates multiple mounting options including locking arms for securing equipment, hinges for adjustable positioning, Din rail mounting capability, and various attachment points. These universal features allow the same compact portable structure to accommodate and securely hold different types of electronic equipment (PLCs, HMIs, instruments, switches) in various configurations, resolving the contradiction between portability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, collapsible support for holding electronic equipment including programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), instruments, switches, Din rail mounting devices, and other equipment when testing, demonstrating, programming, or repairing such devices at remote job sites, testing labs or facilities, trade shows, training centers, and other places. The portable, collapsible support includes a base having a holding bar in parallel with a back bar forming a holding recess to hold HMIs, a cover including a Din rail, and a pair of mounting pegs for holding the electronic equipment, and a pair of locking arms for releasably, pivotably locking the cover in an open, vertical position while holding the electronic equipment, or for closing the cover to easily carry and transport the collapsible support from one location to another.