Fastening Element with Torsionally Rigid Support for Profile Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for profile rails lack reliable and visual confirmation of the lock nut's clamping position, leading to potential misalignment and detachment due to reliance on frictional engagement and unclear positioning.
Innovation Solution
A torsionally rigid but axially displaceable connection between the support element and the lock nut, allowing direct visual confirmation of the lock nut's position and ensuring precise placement, combined with a cup-shaped support element and annular spring edge for enhanced spring deflection and secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock nut is engaged solely by friction effects between threads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the clamping position is insufficient and cannot be visually confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
A support element acts as an intermediary component between the bearing element and the lock nut. This support element provides a torsionally rigid connection that visually indicates the clamping position while maintaining the simple friction-based thread engagement. The support element's rotational position serves as a visual mediator to confirm proper engagement without complicating the fundamental friction-based locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lock nut position cannot be visually checked, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the reliability of correct clamping is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support element provides self-indicating functionality by visually displaying its rotational position. As the support element rotates to achieve proper clamping, its orientation itself serves as the indication mechanism. This self-service approach allows visual verification of correct clamping position without requiring separate indicators or complex verification mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support element and bearing element are made as one piece, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to metal material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support element and bearing element are segmented into separate components. The bearing element, which requires high strength to withstand loads, is made of metal. The support element, which primarily needs to transmit actuating forces and provide visual indication, can be made of less expensive plastic material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while reducing overall manufacturing cost.
4Ease of operation
If the spring travel is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to freely pivot the lock nut in clamping position is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with a cup-shaped geometry that extends in the axial direction, creating additional space for spring travel. By utilizing the axial dimension rather than increasing radial size, the design provides sufficient spring deflection capacity while maintaining a compact overall profile. This dimensional approach allows the lock nut to pivot freely in the clamping position without requiring an overly complex spring configuration.
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 reliable and easy engagement of the lock nut into the clamping position, preventing misalignment and detachment, while allowing cost-effective manufacturing and secure fastening of components to profile rails.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (22) being arranged between the supporting element (18) and the head (26) of the clamping screw (24), with the supporting element (18) being rigid with the bearing element (16) connected is
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening element (10) serves to fasten components (12) to a profile rail (14). The fastening element (10) has a locking nut (20), a clamping screw (24), a support element (16), and a support element (18), wherein a spring element is arranged between the support element (18) and the head of the clamping screw (24). In order to be able to move the locking nut into a defined clamping position, it is proposed that the support element (18) be rigidly connected to the support element (16) and that a torsionally rigid but axially displaceable connection exists between the support element (18) and the locking nut (20).