DIN Rail Mounting Adapter With Dual-Orientation Snap Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening adapters for top-hat rails lack versatility in orientation and installation flexibility, particularly in constrained spaces, limiting their adaptability to different installation situations.
Innovation Solution
A fastening adapter with dual snap connection structures allows for secure attachment to top-hat rails in two orientations: transverse and parallel, featuring elastically movable locking projections and an alignment contour section for secure clamping and easy installation, enabling variable fastening options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting adapter is designed with a single snap-in connection structure for transverse fastening to top-hat rails, then the fastening is secure and stable, but the adaptability to different installation orientations and situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter is designed with two different snap-in connection structures (first and second) that enable the same adapter to be fastened to top-hat rails in two different orientations (transverse and parallel). This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to serve multiple installation scenarios, increasing versatility without requiring separate adapters for different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a carrier body for holding terminal blocks, a first snap-in connection structure for transverse fastening, and a second snap-in connection structure for parallel fastening. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling the adapter to accommodate different installation requirements while maintaining overall structural coherence.
2Ease of operation
If a mounting adapter uses rigid locking projections for secure fastening, then the fastening strength is high, but the ease of installation and release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking projections are designed to be elastically movable rather than rigidly fixed. This dynamic characteristic allows the projections to flex during installation to enable snap-in fastening, and to be deliberately displaced for release. The elastic movement provides a simple mechanism for both secure fastening and easy installation/release without requiring tools or complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically movable locking projections automatically engage with the top-hat rail during installation through their own elastic deformation, providing self-locking without requiring additional fastening operations. The same elastic property also enables self-release when force is applied in the release direction, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting adapter is designed for transverse fastening only, then the components can be fastened in a defined orientation for stability, but the adaptability to constrained installation spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter incorporates two snap-in connection structures that enable fastening in two different orientations (transverse and parallel to the top-hat rail). This multi-functionality allows installers to select the appropriate orientation based on available space and installation requirements, providing adaptability to constrained spaces while maintaining stable fastening in each orientation through its dedicated snap-in structure.
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 adapter provides secure, intuitive, and adaptable fastening options for connection terminals on top-hat rails, enhancing usability in various installation scenarios and preventing incorrect installation, while maintaining effective fastening even in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The two first locking projections are preferably provided so as to be elastically movable relative to one another, in order to selectively expose a first insertion space for the first top-hat rail in the direction of the first connection direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mounting adapter (1) for receiving several terminal blocks (10) and mounting on a DIN rail (100, 200), wherein the mounting adapter (1) comprises: a support body (2) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (L), which has a receiving seat (3) for receiving several terminal blocks (10), a first snap-fit connection structure (4) for snapping the support body (2) in a first connection direction (C1) with the longitudinal axis (L) transverse to a first longitudinal extension axis (L100) of a first DIN rail (100) to the first DIN rail (100), and a second snap-fit connection structure (5) for snapping the support body (2) in a second connection direction (C2) with the longitudinal axis (L) parallel to a second longitudinal extension axis (L200) of a second DIN rail (200).