DIN Rail Mounting Lever Mechanism for Compact Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices configured to mount and demount base plates with detachable modules to DIN rails face challenges such as increased external size due to protruding operation ends, difficulty in demounting multiple mounting members simultaneously, and interference with terminal blocks, which affect operability and lead to potential damage from external forces and increased costs for heat management.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that allows for easy mounting and demounting of base plates with functional modules from a DIN rail via a front surface access, using a compact operation lever and mounting members that do not protrude externally, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple mounting members and integrating heat management through a heat sink, thus preventing external force influence and minimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the releasing lever is made to protrude from the base member to enable direct operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the external size is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidexternal size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The releasing lever is received within the base member in a recessed configuration, with the lever body nested inside the base member housing. This allows the lever to be operable while maintaining a compact external profile, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and external size by nesting the operational component within the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The releasing lever is configured to operate in a vertical direction (up and down movement) rather than requiring horizontal protrusion. The lever moves vertically within the base member, changing the dimension of operation from lateral to vertical, which allows for compact external dimensions while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple mounting members are used to secure the base plate to the DIN rail, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the difficulty of simultaneous operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of mountingVSAvoiddifficulty of simultaneous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple releasing levers are mechanically coupled together through a common coupling structure that connects them at their operation ends. This merging of previously independent levers into a unified mechanism allows simultaneous operation of multiple mounting members through a single action, resolving the contradiction between mounting reliability and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure serves multiple functions: it mechanically links the releasing levers together, transmits force uniformly across all levers, and enables simultaneous release of multiple mounting members. This multi-functional design allows a single operational input to control multiple mounting points, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the operation lever protrudes from the base plate front surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the interference with terminal blocks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinterference with terminal blocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operation lever is received within a recess formed in the base plate front surface, nesting the lever structure within the base plate boundaries. This recessed configuration allows the lever to be operable while preventing it from protruding outward to interfere with terminal blocks or other components mounted on the base plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate front surface is designed with a localized recess specifically at the lever position, creating a differentiated surface profile. This local modification allows the lever to be accessible for operation while maintaining a flush external surface elsewhere, preventing interference with terminal blocks while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances operability by allowing module attachment and detachment without mutual interference, effectively radiates heat from high-heat generation modules, and achieves miniaturization, reducing the risk of damage and costs associated with heat management.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink (133)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

effectively radiates heat from high-heat generation modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2906029B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2906029B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2906029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a base plate (100), a plurality of modules (110, 120, 130) detachably fitted and connected to the base plate, a plurality of mounting members (160) configured to detachably mount the base plate to a DIN rail (140), and an operation lever (150) provided on the base plate and configured to be engaged with the mounting members and to be operable from a front surface of the base plate. When the operation lever is operated, an engaged state between the mounting members and the DIN rail is released.