Duct Connection Insert Locking Against External Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation and distribution systems face challenges in securely fixing connection devices or device inserts within ducts or housings under strong external loads, while maintaining simple and uncomplicated installation processes.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a separate locking element that connects to the connection device or device insert via a second connection and engages with the duct or housing via a third connection, effectively blocking movement transverse to the insertion direction and securing the first snap-in or locking connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If snap-in or latching connections are used to facilitate assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability under strong external loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidsecurity of connection under external loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent parts: a first connection (snap-in or latching connection) for easy installation, and a separate locking element with a second connection for securing against external loads. The locking element is inserted through a separate opening and acts independently on the connection device, preventing it from becoming loose under tension or lateral forces while maintaining the simplicity of the original snap-in connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a separate locking element is added to secure connections under external loads, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of connection under external loadsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent element that can be added to the connection device without modifying the existing snap-in or latching connection. The locking element is inserted through a separate opening in the duct or housing and acts independently on the connection device, preventing it from becoming loose under tension or lateral forces while maintaining the simplicity of the original connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the duct or housing is made more rigid to prevent deformation under loads, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability under loadsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the duct or housing more rigid to prevent deformation, the invention applies a counteracting force through the locking element that actively prevents the connection device from becoming loose under external loads. The locking element compensates for the flexibility of the duct or housing by providing a mechanical locking action that counteracts the deforming forces, thereby maintaining connection security without requiring increased structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This solution ensures that connection devices or device inserts remain securely fixed within the ducts or housings even under strong external loads, without requiring additional components or assembly steps, thereby enhancing the system's performance characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

complementary resilient or material-elastic areas on the connection device or on the device insert on the one hand and on the duct or housing on the other hand interact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4560857A1Installation and distribution system
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 TEHALIT
  • EP4560857A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560857A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560857A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An installation and distribution system in which connection devices or device inserts connected via cables or contacts for electrical power supply or data transmission can be accommodated within ducts or housings, wherein the connection devices or device inserts can be inserted through openings or recesses in the duct or housing and can be locked there by means of a first snap-in or latching connection, in which complementary resilient and/or material-elastic areas on the connection device or device insert on the one hand and on the duct (or housing) on ​​the other hand interact, wherein at least one separate locking element is provided adjacent to the respective connection device or device insert, which on the one hand can be connected to at least one connection device or device insert and which on the other hand provides at least a third connection,in which areas of the channel or housing that are complementary to the locking element interact in a form-fitting manner so that the first connection is locked.