Elastic Clamping Arms for Tool-Free Electrical Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device mount solutions for electrical installation devices on cable routing ducts often require complex assembly processes and tools, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device carrier with two elastic clamping arms that allow for tool-free assembly via a snap lock mechanism, where the electrical installation device is held in place by inwardly directed clamping force after being inserted into a guide slot, enabling quick and efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (screws, domes, snap fasteners) are used to attach electrical installation devices to device mounts, then reliable fixation is achieved, but assembly becomes complicated and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic clamping arms that can dynamically change their state between open and closed positions. During assembly, the arms are flexible and can be opened to receive the electrical installation device. Once positioned, the arms automatically close due to elastic force, providing secure fixation without requiring tools or complex operations. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between reliable fixation and assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clamping arms are designed to automatically perform the fastening function through their inherent elastic properties. When the electrical installation device is inserted between the arms, the elastic force automatically closes the arms to clamp the device securely. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening operations, tools, or complex assembly steps, thereby achieving both reliable fixation and assembly simplicity.
2Reliability
If additional screwing operations are performed to ensure firm hold of electrical installation device on device carrier, then fixation reliability is improved, but installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clamping arms automatically provide firm hold through their inherent elastic force without requiring additional screwing operations. The arms self-adjust to clamp the electrical installation device securely upon insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming additional fastening steps and thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screwing system with an elastic clamping mechanism. Instead of using threads, bolts, or additional fasteners, the elastic arms provide firm hold through elastic deformation and recovery. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical fastening operations, reduces installation time and effort, while maintaining secure fixation of the electrical installation device.
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
Significantly reduces installation effort and time, allowing for rapid equipping of electrical devices in buildings, thereby lowering costs and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
both clamping arms are pressed inwards due to the clamping force acting inwards, as a result of which the electrical installation device or assembly part is held
Data Source
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AI summary
The support has mounting elements (3) receiving an electronics installation apparatus, and a guiding bar (6) arranged at a head end of clamp arms (4). A terminal strip (5) runs parallel to the guiding bar, where the guiding bar and the terminal strip form a guiding slot (10). The electronics installation apparatus or mounting part is inserted in the guiding slot, and the clamp arms are pre-stressed in a mounting condition and released for transportation in a locking condition. The electronics installation apparatus or mounting part is held with respect to inwardly directed clamping force.