DIN Rail Clamping Device with Actuator Screws and Push Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for DIN rail terminal blocks are expensive, prone to unintended disengagement, and require high torque for loosening or tightening, making them inefficient and costly for use in industrial control equipment.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a clamp base, actuator screws, push plates, clamping hooks, and springs that securely affix DIN rail terminal blocks to the rail while allowing easy engagement and disengagement, preventing unintended disengagement and reducing torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing clamping devices are used to secure DIN rail terminal blocks, then reliable connection is achieved, but the devices are expensive and require high torque for loosening or tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into separate functional components: a clamp base with hook members, actuator screws, push plates, and springs. Each component performs a specific function, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easy assembly. The hook members are separable from the base module, enabling independent manufacturing and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hook members automatically engage with the DIN rail flanges when the actuator screws are tightened, providing self-securing functionality. The springs maintain constant engagement pressure without requiring additional locking mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
2Ease of operation
If existing clamping devices are used to secure DIN rail terminal blocks, then connection is achieved, but unintended disengagement cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The hook members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust to the DIN rail flange position. The springs provide continuous engagement force while allowing controlled movement for intentional disengagement, balancing ease of operation with connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of metallic hook members with elastic spring components creates a composite clamping system that provides both rigid engagement for stability and elastic compliance for controlled movement, preventing unintended disengagement while allowing intentional removal.
3Strength
If existing clamping devices are used, then DIN rail terminal blocks can be mounted, but high torque is required for loosening or tightening
Solution Approach 1:
Push plates are introduced as intermediary components between the actuator screws and the hook members. These push plates amplify the mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to achieve the required clamping force with reduced torque input by distributing and multiplying the applied force through the push plate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator screws convert rotational torque into linear motion of the push plates, which then translate into clamping force on the hook members. This dimensional transformation from rotational to linear force application provides mechanical advantage, reducing the torque requirement while maintaining strong clamping force.
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 reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-manufacture clamping mechanism that ensures secure attachment and quick detachment of DIN rail terminal blocks with reduced torque needs, suitable for various industrial applications including those with stringent vibration requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of springs adapted to urge the pair of clamping hooks to a disengaged/open configuration
Implementation Method 2
a pair of actuator screws capable of rotating and passing through the planar portion of the clamp base
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for mounting a base module on a DIN rail is disclosed. The clamping device includes a clamp base, actuator screws, push plates, clamping hooks, and springs. The clamp base is having a planar portion and side walls. The side walls of the clamp base is provided with serrations that indent into DIN rail flange. Further, the planar portion is provided with an aperture for affixing the clamp base to the base module. The pair of actuator screws rotate and pass through the planar portion of the clamp base for facilitating movement thereof with respect to the clamp base. Each push plate is secured to a corresponding actuator screw and is adapted to be either in lifted or seated configuration based on movement of the actuator screw. Each clamping hook includes a first end supported by corresponding push plate and second end movable between engaged disengaged configuration.