DIN Rail Fastening Mechanism for Tolerance-Compensated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for DIN rail devices on mounting rails suffer from manufacturing tolerances, leading to crooked installations and difficulty in securing the devices due to torque-induced rotation during screw tightening, affecting both aesthetics and ease of cover plate fitting.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a displaceable locking element and a manually operable locking mechanism that adjusts between multiple positions, allowing compensation for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring a secure fit by varying the locking force applied to the mounting rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional fastening device with fixed locking mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but manufacturing tolerances cause crooked installations and difficulty in securing the device
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device employs a dynamically adjustable locking mechanism where the locking element can be positioned at multiple discrete positions along the locking path. This allows the device to adapt to manufacturing tolerances by selecting the appropriate locking position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can compensate for dimensional variations while maintaining installation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of locking position from fixed to variable, with the locking element capable of assuming multiple discrete positions. This parameter change enables the fastening device to accommodate manufacturing tolerances by adjusting the locking position, thereby improving installation accuracy without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed locking force is applied, then the fastening mechanism is simple, but torque-induced rotation occurs during screw tightening affecting aesthetics and cover plate fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable along the locking path and capable of assuming multiple discrete positions. This dynamic capability allows the locking force to be applied at optimized positions that prevent torque-induced rotation, ensuring device alignment stability while maintaining ease of operation through manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned at optimal locations along the locking path that are determined to prevent rotation during screw tightening. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the locking mechanism engages, the device is already aligned correctly, preventing rotation before it occurs and ensuring both stability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single locking position is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot compensate for manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with a movable locking element that can assume multiple discrete positions along the locking path. This dynamic structure provides adaptability to compensate for manufacturing tolerances by allowing selection of the appropriate locking position, while the discrete nature of the positions keeps the mechanism relatively simple compared to continuously adjustable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking path is segmented into multiple discrete positions where the locking element can engage. This segmentation provides tolerance compensation capability by offering multiple engagement points, while maintaining structural simplicity through the discrete rather than continuous nature of the positions. Each segment represents a predetermined optimal locking location.
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 secure, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-install attachment of DIN rail devices by adjusting the locking force to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, preventing rotation and ensuring a tight fit without requiring tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (15) coupled to the locking element (11) for generating a second locking force acting in the direction of the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The fastening device (10) according to the invention for fastening a housing (2) of an electrical DIN rail device (1) to a mounting rail (20) has a locking element (11) which can be mounted on a mounting side (5) of the housing (2) and is slidable between a mounting position and a locking position when mounted. Furthermore, the fastening device (10) has a manually actuated locking device (13, 113, 213, 313) coupled to the locking element (11), which is adjustable between a released position and several locked positions.When the mounting device (10) is installed on the DIN rail device (1), the locking device (13, 113, 213, 313) rests against its housing (2), thereby generating a first locking force on the locking element (11) in the direction of the locking position. This force varies depending on the locking position. In this way, a further movement of the locking element (11) towards the mounting rail (20) is effected, the distance of which depends on the respective locking position. This allows manufacturing tolerances of the DIN rail device (1) and the mounting rail (20) to be compensated for.