Drive adapter for tool-free mounting of a drive element on a rail element of a guide system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide systems with motor drives are complex and require extensive assembly, making it difficult to integrate a drive element into a system with minimal work steps.
Innovation Solution
A drive adapter with a drive carrier and a holding section that allows for tool-free mounting of a drive element on a rail element of a guide system, utilizing a form fit and latching mechanisms to secure the adapter in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motor-driven guide systems are used, then the driving function is integrated, but the design complexity and assembly work increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive adapter is divided into functionally independent sections: a holding section for mounting on the rail element and a drive carrier for receiving the drive element. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design while maintaining the integrated driving function.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting interface for the rail element, a carrier for the drive element, and a structural connector between them. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing design complexity while integrating the driving function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motor-driven guide systems are used, then the driving function is integrated, but the assembly work becomes extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The holding section is designed with pre-configured support surfaces and connection features that align with the rail element geometry. This preliminary design allows the adapter to be mounted on the rail element without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools, thereby reducing assembly work while maintaining integrated driving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive adapter is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through its geometric features (convex/concave surfaces, holding ridge). The adapter automatically positions itself on the rail element and secures through form-fit connection, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or tools, thus reducing assembly work.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-free mounting is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, tools) with a geometry-based form-fit connection system. The convex and concave surfaces, along with the holding ridge, create a self-locking mechanical interface that provides secure attachment without requiring external tools, thereby improving mounting convenience while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding section features asymmetric convex and concave surfaces that create a directional, self-aligning connection. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the adapter can only be mounted in the correct orientation and provides inherent securing through the interlocking shapes, achieving reliable attachment without tools while simplifying the mounting operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive adapter for tool-free mounting of a drive element on a rail element of a guide system includes a drive carrier and a holding section. The drive carrier includes a mounting means for a drive element. The holding section includes two support surfaces and a holding ridge which connects the support surfaces at least in sections and defines a distance between the support surfaces. The two support surfaces are either each convexly curved, face away from one another and configured such that they can be clamped between two rolling element running surfaces of the rail element which face one another, or each concavely curved, face toward one another and configured such that they can be clamped onto two legs of the rail element and carry rolling element running surfaces which face away from one another.