DIN Rail Mount Locking Mechanism for Secure Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DIN rail mounted devices lack a secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism that allows for quick assembly and disassembly, posing challenges in securely mounting and removing electrical components like overvoltage protection devices without requiring tools or complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A DIN rail device mount system featuring a base with a receiver slot and a module with a locking mechanism, including a pivotally connected lock member and integral latch features, allowing the system to be selectively positioned in locked or unlocked configurations, ensuring secure mounting and easy removal of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the module in the receiver slot, then the security and reliability of mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock member with latch feature that engages with a corresponding latch feature on the module, and a pivot member that enables the lock member to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, pivoting between a locked position where it secures the module and an unlocked position where it allows module removal. This dynamic design enables the mechanism to provide secure mounting when needed while also facilitating easy disassembly, resolving the contradiction between security and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used to secure the module, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple pivot motion. The lock member automatically engages with the module's latch feature when the module is inserted into the receiver slot, and can be released by pivoting the lock member to the unlocked position. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex tool-based locking procedures while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot member allows the lock to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states with minimal effort. This mechanical simplicity enables operators to quickly secure or remove modules without dealing with complex multi-step procedures, thereby maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple mounting system without locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a base with receiver slot, a module with mounting features, and a locking mechanism with lock member and latch features. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in the basic mounting structure while adding a dedicated locking component that provides reliable security without complicating the overall assembly process.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring tools or complex procedures is used, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The lock member can be engaged and disengaged through simple manual manipulation, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of modules while maintaining secure mounting. This self-service capability directly improves productivity by eliminating tool-based operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot member enables quick transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing operators to rapidly secure or remove modules. This mechanical simplicity significantly reduces the time required for assembly and disassembly operations compared to static or multi-step locking systems, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A DIN rail device mount system includes a base, a module and a locking mechanism. The base is configured to be mounted on a DIN rail. The base defines a receiver slot. The module is configured to be removably mounted in the receiver slot to form a DIN rail mount assembly. The locking mechanism includes: a lock member having opposed proximal and distal ends and including an integral lock member latch feature on its distal end, wherein the lock member is pivotally connected to the base at its proximal end to pivot between a closed position and an open position; and an integral module latch feature on the module. The DIN rail mount system is selectively positionable in each of: a locked configuration wherein the module is seated in the receiver slot, the lock member is in the closed position, and the lock member latch feature is interlocked with the module latch feature, whereby the lock member secures the module in the receiver slot; and an unlocked configuration wherein the lock member is in the open position, the lock member latch feature is not interlocked with the module latch feature, and the module can be withdrawn from the receiver slot.