DIN Rail Attachment Feature for Electronics Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DIN rail attachment features for electronics modules require separate construction and assembly, leading to increased costs and suboptimal performance in terms of redundant latching and single-operation unlatching.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece molded polymeric construction for the electronics module base with integrated DIN rail attachment features, including a recess, rail-constraining tabs, and flexible latch arms with locking tabs that can move between latched and unlatched positions, allowing for redundant latching and single-point disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate latches are constructed and assembled to the module, then the attachment feature is effective, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is merged with the module base as a one-piece molded polymeric construction, eliminating separate assembly operations and reducing product cost while maintaining attachment effectiveness through integrated design
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece molded polymeric construction with integrated latch is used, then product cost is reduced, but sufficient redundant latching and single-operation unlatching are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is segmented into multiple functional components (latch arm, locking tabs, flexible webs) within the one-piece construction, enabling redundant latching through multiple locking tabs and single-operation unlatching through common plane movement of all latch arms
3Reliability
If manual movement of latches is required for latching/unlatching, then attachment/securement is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms are designed to be selectively manually flexible between latched and unlatched positions, providing dynamic operation that simplifies the latching process while maintaining reliable fixed securing when latched
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, reliable attachment system with redundant latching capability and single-operation unlatching, eliminating the need for separate assembly and enhancing the module's secure mounting to DIN rails.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second latch arms are selectively manually flexible between: (i) a latched position in which the first and second locking tabs project into the recess; and (ii) an unlatched position in which the first and second locking tabs are withdrawn from the recess
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics module includes a base including a recess adapted to receive an associated mounting rail such as a DIN rail. At least one rail constraining tab is located adjacent a first side of the recess and is adapted to capture a first flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess. First and second flexible resilient latch arms are located adjacent a second side of the recess. The first and second flexible latch arms include respective first and second locking tabs connected thereto, wherein the first and second locking tabs project into the recess and are located to capture a second flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective latched positions, and wherein the first and second locking tabs are withdrawn from the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective unlatched positions.