DIN Rail Adapter for Stacked Mounting of Electrical Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for electrical components on DIN rails are inefficient in utilizing space within control cabinets, as components are typically arranged linearly rather than stacked, leading to suboptimal use of available space.

Innovation Solution

A top-hat rail adapter with snap-in hooks, screws, and latching mechanisms allows for the secure stacking of electrical components on DIN rails, enabling efficient use of space by allowing components to be mounted on the front panel of other components, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If components are arranged linearly on DIN rails, then assembly is simple, but space utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables stacking components vertically in the third dimension by providing front panel mounting capabilities, transforming the traditional linear horizontal arrangement into a three-dimensional stacked configuration that maximizes space utilization while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If components are stacked vertically, then space utilization is efficient, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component that simplifies vertical stacking by providing standardized front panel mounting interfaces, allowing components to be easily attached to the adapter's front panel without complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter provides multiple mounting functions simultaneously - it can be mounted on DIN rails and also provides front panel mounting surfaces for additional components, creating a universal mounting solution that reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If components are mounted on front panels, then space is saved, but stability against displacement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcomponent stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates curved clamping arms that flexibly conform to the front panel surface, providing stable mechanical engagement that prevents unintentional displacement while maintaining compact stacking configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter includes pre-positioned clamping elements and locking mechanisms that are already configured to engage with the mounted component, ensuring stability is established during the mounting process itself rather than requiring additional stabilization steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3721514B1Adapter for mounting of electrotrechnical components

Publication Date: 2024.11.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

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AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter (10') for installing electrotechnical components (12, 14), which is designed in the form of a standardised support rail, in particular a top-hat rail, and which has on the upper face thereof fastening means (110, 112) for installing an electrotechnical component, and has on the bottom face thereof fastening means (102, 104, 106, 108) for installing on the front plate (12', 14') of an electrotechnical component (12, 14).