Device Adapter Hook Suspension Mounting Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device adapters with longitudinal strips face difficulties in easy mounting and release due to complex snap-in mechanisms, leading to cumbersome handling and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The device adapter features hook-like suspension elements on the underside of longitudinal strips that can be vertically inserted into matching openings on the base element, with a releasable arresting element for secure suspension, and transverse strips with holding legs and pins for enhanced stability and simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If resilient snap-in tongues are used to fasten longitudinal strips to the base element, then the longitudinal strips can be securely attached, but the release process becomes difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidrelease ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static resilient snap-in tongues with a dynamic arresting element system that can be actively controlled. The arresting element can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the attachment strength to be dynamically adjusted or released as needed, rather than requiring forceful manipulation of resilient tongues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the release function from the attachment mechanism itself by introducing a separate, dedicated arresting element. This arresting element can be independently controlled to release the longitudinal strips without affecting the attachment mechanism's securing capability, separating the attachment and release functions into distinct components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complex snap-in mechanisms are used to secure longitudinal strips, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the handling and assembly processes become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into distinct functional components: suspension elements for attachment, an arresting element for securing, and longitudinal strips for device mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly and handling processes while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using resilient elements that require compression and expansion for attachment and release, the patent inverts the approach by using a suspension element system with a positive arresting mechanism. The arresting element engages with the suspension elements in a straightforward manner that simplifies both assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If longitudinal strips are designed with rows of holes for device connection, then variable mounting possibilities are provided, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidstrip structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal strips serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, offer variable mounting positions through rows of holes for different device configurations, and integrate with the suspension and arresting element mechanisms. This multi-functionality achieves mounting versatility without requiring separate components for each function, thereby avoiding increased complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7520776B2Device adapter
Publication Date: 2009.04.21 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG
  • US7520776B2 patent drawing
  • US7520776B2 patent drawing
  • US7520776B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device adapter including a base part, the bottom side of which has busbar fixtures to be mounted on and contacted with busbars while the top side thereof supports a mounting device that is removably fixed and has two parallel spaced-apart longitudinal rails for coupling electric devices or house wiring units. In order to keep the design simple while offering variable mounting possibilities, the connecting device includes protruding, hook-type hanging elements which are molded onto the bottom side of the longitudinal rails, which can be vertically inserted into receiving holes that are adjusted thereto and are located on the top side of the base part, and which can be hung on the side of the receiving holes facing away from the top side in the area behind the receiving holes by performing a movement in the longitudinal direction. A releasable locking element can lock the hung position of the longitudinal rails.