Fitting Element for C-Shaped Groove with Reverse Rotation Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching fitting parts to grooves with protruding webs, such as undercut or C-shaped grooves, often require threading or creating openings, which can be cumbersome and lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent detachment.

Innovation Solution

A fitting part with groove-shaped lateral recesses that can be rotated into position and secured using a reverse rotation lock, such as a threaded pin, eliminating the need for threading or opening creation, and providing reliable fixation without separate rotating parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fitting part is threaded into a fitting part groove or an opening is milled to insert the fitting part, then the fitting part can be attached to the groove, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the fitting part linearly into the groove (conventional method), the invention rotates the fitting part 90 degrees so that its longitudinal axis becomes perpendicular to the groove direction during insertion. This inverted insertion approach allows the fitting part to be mounted simply by placing it on the groove and rotating it, eliminating the need for threading or milled openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting part is designed with a specific geometry where the section on the groove base side has a width less than the distance between the groove webs, allowing it to be preliminarily positioned on the groove before rotation. This preliminary positioning enables the subsequent rotation operation to complete the attachment without additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional fastening methods are used without a reverse rotation lock, then the fitting part can be easily installed, but the fitting part may become detached due to reverse rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidanti-detachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse rotation lock is designed to automatically engage with the groove structure when the fitting part is rotated into its correct position. The locking mechanism serves itself by utilizing the rotational motion during installation to trigger the locking action, without requiring separate manual locking operations or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reverse rotation lock is pre-configured to prevent reverse rotation before the fitting part is fully installed. The locking mechanism is positioned and oriented such that it naturally blocks counter-clockwise rotation (viewed from the end) during the installation process, ensuring the fitting part cannot become detached once positioned correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the fitting part is designed with separate rotating parts, then rotation into position is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational positioning capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fitting part body with the rotational positioning functionality into a single integrated component. The fitting part itself is designed with asymmetric geometry that enables it to be inserted only in a specific rotational orientation, eliminating the need for separate rotating mechanisms, adjustment screws, or modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables rotational positioning through its asymmetric geometry, and incorporates the reverse rotation locking capability. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single monolithic component, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2385200B1Fitting element for fixing to a C-shaped fitting groove
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP2385200B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2385200B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP2385200B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The fitting part (10) has distant bars provided at groove edges. Two groove-shaped or groove-shaped lateral recesses (11) receive one of the bars in a mounted position. Width of a groove base side portion (13) in a region is smaller than distance between the bars of a fitting part groove. Width of a groove base facing portion (14) in a region is larger than the distance between the bars of the fitting part groove. The groove base side portion and the groove base facing portion comprise edges (15-18) that are diagonally aligned to each other.