Elastic Clip Clamp for Tool-Free Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail end fixtures for support rails require time-consuming installation and removal processes, necessitating tools and precise alignment due to reliance on screws for mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with a housing, elastic clip portion, panel member, and spring member that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment by establishing a press fit connection with the support rail, utilizing a panel member and spring member for securement without screws or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based rail end fixtures are used, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but installation and removal become time-consuming and tool-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from traditional screw-based fixtures and integrates it into a self-contained clip mechanism. The clip portion with elastic deformation capability performs both the mechanical connection and fastening actions that previously required separate screws and tools, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through its elastic properties. The clip portion automatically deforms and locks onto the support rail without external tools, and can be released by simple manual manipulation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for screwdrivers or other fastening tools, drastically reducing installation and removal time while ensuring reliable mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If screw-based fixtures are used, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but precise pre-positioning is required during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the connection mechanism from rigid screw-threaded joints to elastic deformation-based clipping. The clip portion's elastic properties allow it to accommodate position variations and self-adjust during installation, eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning while maintaining stable mechanical connection. The elastic deformation absorbs positioning tolerances that would otherwise require careful alignment.
3Ease of operation
If elastic housing material is used, then easy deformation during installation is achieved, but temperature resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite material construction where the housing is made of elastic plastic material that can deform during installation, while metal components (spring member, panel member, notch portion) provide temperature resistance and structural strength. This composite approach combines the advantages of both materials: the plastic provides ease of deformation for simple installation, while the metal parts ensure temperature resistance and mechanical strength in the final assembled state.
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
Enables quick and easy installation and removal of modules on support rails, reducing installation time and eliminating the need for tools, while providing a secure and temperature-resistant connection.
Implementation Method 1
The housing can be made of or may comprise a plastic material that, in particular, allows for some elastic deformation, in particular, elastic deformation of the clip portion during a process of affixing the clamp device to the support rail
Implementation Method 2
the panel member, the spring member and the notch portion are in contact with some interlocking means of the support rail, for example, a rim of the support rail
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a clamp device for a support rail, the clamp device comprising a housing extending in a length direction and a width direction and comprising an elastically deformable clip portion at a first end of the housing along the length direction and a portion comprising a notch at a second end of the housing along the length direction that is opposite to the first end, a panel member at least partially arranged in the housing such that it extends along the length direction of the housing and a spring member at least partially arranged in the housing such that it extends along the length direction of the housing.