Conductor Rail Tap-Off Housing With Snap-On Sliding Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transmitting electrical energy from a spatially fixed line rail to a movable or fixed tapping device lack a simple, tool-free, and cost-effective method for establishing a reliable mechanical and electrical connection, which is essential for consistent power supply to robots and electrical elements.
Innovation Solution
A tapping device with a connection housing and sliding contact elements, utilizing a Combi-Clip for mechanical connection and electrically conductive sliding contact elements, allows for a tool-free, snap-on connection to the line rail, eliminating the need for fastening elements like screws or clamps, and ensuring a stable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening elements like screws or clamps are used to connect the tapping device to the line rail, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clamps) with a snap-on connection mechanism that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The connection housing features a snap-on connection element that engages with the line rail through elastic deflection, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners or clamping mechanisms while maintaining secure mechanical attachment.
2Strength
If traditional fastening elements like screws or clamps are used to connect the tapping device to the line rail, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clamps) with a snap-on connection mechanism that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The connection housing features a snap-on connection element that engages with the line rail through elastic deflection, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners or clamping mechanisms while maintaining secure mechanical attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in elastic parameters of the connection housing material to achieve the fastening function. By selecting materials with appropriate elastic properties, the housing can deflect during assembly to engage the snap-on connection, then return to its original shape to maintain constant contact force, replacing the need for mechanical fasteners.
3Ease of operation
If the tapping device is designed with simple snap-on connection, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the reliability of electrical contact may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical contact function into a single integrated sliding contact element. This element simultaneously provides mechanical support through its rigid portion and electrical conductivity through its conductive portion, ensuring that the simple snap-on assembly achieves both mechanical stability and reliable electrical connection without requiring separate components.
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
This solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for transmitting electrical energy, enabling consistent power supply to robots and electrical elements regardless of their location relative to the line rail, with enhanced assembly simplicity and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive sliding contact elements, which... establish electrical contact with the line rail
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
The invention relates to a tap-off device for transferring electrical energy from a conductor rail, preferably spatially fixed, to a tap-off device movable along the conductor rail or similarly spatially fixed, comprising at least one connecting housing, wherein the conductor rail is mechanically connected or connectable to the tap-off device via the connecting housing, and a current-tapping device which comprises sliding contact elements for taking electrical energy from the conductor rail, wherein the current-tapping device is mechanically fixed to the connecting housing, and further wherein the connecting housing comprises at least one base carrier on which at least two control boards are mounted or these two control boards form the base carrier themselves.