DIN Rail Tongue-and-Groove Mounting for Automated Cabinet Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
DIN rails pre-assembled with terminals cannot be installed in a switchgear cabinet in an automated manner due to the screws being inaccessible after installation, leading to high installation workloads.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a tongue and groove system is used to secure DIN rails to a wall, allowing pre-assembled DIN rails to be installed by guiding the DIN rail fastening portion through openings in the rail, eliminating the need for screws during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If DIN rails are fastened to the wall using screws through openings, then the DIN rails can be securely fastened to the wall, but the screws become inaccessible once terminals are installed, preventing automated installation and increasing installation workload
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is pre-installed on the wall before the DIN rail is equipped with terminals. The DIN rail fastening portion is then guided through the opening in the DIN rail and engaged with the pre-installed fastening element, eliminating the need for subsequent screw fastening operations and enabling automated terminal installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fastening the DIN rail to the wall after installing terminals (which would require accessible screws), the invention inverts the sequence by first installing the fastening element on the wall, then guiding the DIN rail through the opening to engage with the fastening element. This reversal makes the fastening mechanism accessible during terminal installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If DIN rails are equipped with terminals before installation, then pre-assembled DIN rails can be used, but traditional screw fastening methods cannot be applied since screws are no longer accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is pre-installed on the wall before the DIN rail is equipped with terminals. This preliminary action allows the DIN rail to be pre-assembled with terminals elsewhere, and then simply guided through the opening to engage with the pre-installed fastening element during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted from the DIN rail itself and implemented as a separate fastening element mounted on the wall. This separation allows the DIN rail to be freely equipped with terminals before installation, while the fastening capability remains available through the wall-mounted element.
3Productivity
If a tongue and groove system is used in the fastening element, then quick and simple installation is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex compared to traditional screw fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented into distinct functional portions: a wall fastening portion for mounting to the wall and a DIN rail fastening portion with the tongue and groove system for engaging the DIN rail. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue and groove system is designed to automatically engage and lock the DIN rail in place through the guiding and insertion motion, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations. The structure fastens itself through the simple action of guiding the DIN rail through the opening and inserting it into the tongue and groove system.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for fastening a DIN rail to a wall includes: at least one fastening element having a wall fastening portion for fastening the fastening element to the wall, and a DIN rail fastening portion for fastening the fastening element to the DIN rail. When in a fastened state, the DIN rail fastening portion is guided at least in some regions through an opening formed in the DIN rail. The DIN rail fastening portion includes a tongue and groove system into which a portion of the DIN rail is inserted in the fastened state.