One-Piece Connection Part Integrating DIN Rail Mounting and Wireless Grounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection solutions for components in switch cabinets or open switch panels require additional grounding lines, which are costly and space-consuming, and do not efficiently integrate grounding with mounting and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece connection part made of electrically conductive material with integrated screw terminal, DIN rail, and wireless grounding functions, featuring claw and snap hook contours or a wave-shaped spring element for reliable grounding without additional cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional grounding lines are laid for reliable grounding of heat sinks, then grounding reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding function with the mounting function by integrating a grounding contact into the connection part that attaches to the DIN rail. The connection part simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical grounding connection, eliminating the need for separate grounding lines and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical mounting to the DIN rail, electrical grounding connection, and structural support for the heat sink. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate grounding components and simplifies the overall installation process.
2Reliability
If additional grounding lines are laid for reliable grounding, then grounding reliability is improved, but installation time and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is merged with the mounting operation by integrating a grounding contact into the connection part. The single operation of attaching the connection part to the DIN rail simultaneously achieves both mechanical support and electrical grounding, eliminating the need for separate grounding line installation and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding contact is pre-integrated into the connection part during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during installation, the grounding connection is automatically established when the connection part is mounted, eliminating the need for separate grounding line routing and connection steps.
3Reliability
If separate grounding lines are used, then grounding function is achieved, but space consumption in control cabinet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grounding function from the separate grounding line and integrates it into the connection part. By removing the need for additional grounding lines and their associated routing space, the solution significantly reduces space consumption in the control cabinet while maintaining grounding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding contact is merged with the mounting connection part, consolidating multiple functions into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate grounding line routing through the control cabinet, thereby reducing the space required for grounding infrastructure.
4Ease of manufacture
If one-piece connection part is used, then production cost and installation simplicity are improved, but integration of multiple functions increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (mounting, grounding, structural support) into a single integrated connection part. While this increases design complexity, it eliminates the need for separate grounding components and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and production costs through simplified assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, leading to lower production costs despite the increased complexity of integrating multiple functions into a single component.
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 cost-effective production and installation by eliminating the need for extra grounding lines, providing a simple and reliable mechanical fastening and grounding solution for semiconductor switching devices.
Implementation Method 1
a preferably wave-shaped spring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection element with integrated additional functions for connecting a component to a mounting device, particularly in a control cabinet or an open control panel. The invention is characterized in that the connection element is designed as a single piece, even when incorporating an additional function in the form of a wireless grounding function.