Adjustable DIN Rail System With Compensation Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DIN rail systems require screws to be unscrewed for adjusting the position of DIN rails, making it difficult for users, especially electricians, to easily and quickly adjust the position of electrical components within cabinets.

Innovation Solution

A DIN rail system comprising a fixation bracket and a compensation bracket, where the compensation bracket is movable relative to the fixation bracket without unlocking screws, allowing for adjustment of the DIN rail's position in the depth without disassembling parts, utilizing a flexible tongue and punch mechanism for locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix the DIN rail to the fixation bracket, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the adjustment of DIN rail position requires tools and time to unscrew and reassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three separable parts: fixation bracket, compensation bracket, and DIN rail. The compensation bracket acts as an intermediate movable component that can be shifted independently between the fixed fixation bracket and the DIN rail, allowing position adjustment without disassembling the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation bracket serves as an intermediary element between the fixation bracket and the DIN rail. It absorbs the adjustment function, allowing the DIN rail position to be changed by moving the compensation bracket rather than by unscrewing fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the DIN rail position is adjusted by unscrewing screws, then the connection strength is maintained, but the adjustment process requires disassembly and tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation bracket introduces dynamic adjustability to an otherwise static screwed connection. It can be quickly shifted to different positions and locked, providing a time-efficient alternative to unscrewing and re screwing while maintaining connection integrity through the punch-locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation bracket is pre-configured with multiple locking positions (recesses) that allow it to be quickly engaged at different depths without calculation or measurement, enabling rapid position selection and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple parts are disassembled to adjust DIN rail depth, then precise positioning is possible, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into discrete, pre-defined recesses in the fixation bracket. The compensation bracket engages with these recesses at specific depths, providing precise positioning without requiring complex measurement or calculation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation bracket mediates between the user's adjustment need and the fixation bracket's positioning system. By engaging different recesses, it provides precise depth control while keeping the interface simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy and quick adjustment of DIN rail position within existing arrangements without disassembling multiple parts, allowing for precise placement of electrical components like circuit breakers without the need for tools other than a flat screwdriver.

Implementation Method 1

The compensation bracket has at least one flexible tongue, which may be bent or moved to unlock the compensation bracket and/ or the DIN rail and to shift the compensation bracket and/ or the DIN rail within and/ or relative to the fixation bracket. A flexible tongue acts like a spring and can return to a locking position without any help.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The compensation bracket comprises at least one punch, which removably and/ or like a spring extends into a recess of the fixation bracket to lock the compensation bracket.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3742566B1Adjustable din rail system
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3742566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1), comprising at least one fixation bracket (4) to be mounted within a cabinet (16) or on a wall and to bear a DIN rail (3), which is connectable with the fixation bracket (4) by an intermediate member, characterized in that the intermediate member is a compensation bracket (2), which is connected at one section with the fixation bracket (4) and at another section is connectable with the DIN rail (3), wherein the compensation bracket (2) is movable and may be shifted relative to the fixation bracket (4) without unlocking of a screw and/ or without disassembling of the device (1), achieves the object to develop a DIN rail system, which is adjustable with respect to the position of the DIN rail in an easy and quick manner.