DIN Rail Coupling Assembly With Rotatable Operator Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching and removing devices from DIN rails often require tools, making the process difficult and time-consuming, especially when trying to prevent unintentional loosening.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with rotatable operator links and a pivot mechanism that allows for one-handed operation, enabling easy installation and removal of devices from DIN rails without deep reaching, using a housing carrier with a recessed portion and a coupling assembly including DIN rail catches and pivot links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool is required to remove the housing from the DIN rail to prevent unintentional loosening, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly enables the housing to be removed by its own integrated operator links and DIN rail catches, without requiring external tools. The operator links directly manipulate the catches to disengage from the DIN rail, making the system self-servicing for removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator links serve as intermediary elements between the user's manual operation and the DIN rail catches. By rotating the operator links, the user indirectly actuates the catches to move from engaged to disengaged positions, providing a mechanical mediation that simplifies the removal process while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Reliability
If a tool is required to remove the housing from the DIN rail, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the time required for removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated coupling assembly allows rapid self-service removal by rotating the operator links, eliminating the time-consuming process of tool insertion, alignment, and manual manipulation that would otherwise be required to disengage the housing from the DIN rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator links provide dynamic, multi-position control over the DIN rail catches, allowing quick transition between engaged and disengaged states through simple rotational motion. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid removal compared to static tool-based approaches.
3Reliability
If deep reaching is required to access the removal mechanism, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operator links are positioned and oriented such that their rotational axis and manipulation point are accessible from the front or top of the housing, rather than requiring access from the rear or deep interior where the DIN rail connection occurs. This dimensional repositioning makes the control mechanism easily accessible while maintaining secure rearward connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods for attaching and detaching a device to and from a DIN rail, the apparatus includes a housing carrier with a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly including one or more operator links, the one or more operator links rotatable relative to the housing carrier about a pivot, and the coupling assembly includes at least one DIN rail catch. The operator links have a first position in which the at least one DIN rail catch is in a first coupled position, and the operator links have a second position in which the at least one DIN rail catch is in a second uncoupled position. The operator links are operable to move the at least one DIN rail catch from the first coupled position to the second uncoupled position when the operator link is rotated about the pivot.