Snap-in Grid Fixing Accessory with Sliding Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing assemblies for electrical panels are inefficient and require tools, are not adaptable to equipment of varying sizes, and do not provide precise and secure holding, as they often rely on screws or quarter-turn screws.

Innovation Solution

A fixing assembly with a grid and snap-in engagement fixing accessories featuring a base and sliding fixing arm with elastic clamping means, allowing for tool-free installation and adjustable height, enabling secure holding of equipment without screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If screws and tools are used to attach fasteners to the grid, then the fixing is secure, but the installation requires tools and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation easeVSAvoidFixing security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-threaded mechanical system with a snap-in engagement system. The fixing accessory features a base with engagement means that snap into the grid's protrusions, eliminating the need for screws and screwdrivers. This substitution maintains secure fixing while enabling tool-free, quick installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing accessory is divided into separable components: a base that snaps into the grid and a fixing arm that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the base to provide secure attachment to the grid while the fixing arm provides adjustable clamping, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and secure fixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated clip-on accessories are used for specific equipment heights, then the installation is tool-free, but the accessories are not adaptable to equipment of any size

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEquipment size adaptabilityVSAvoidAccessory design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing arm is designed to be movable along the base, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping position and height. This dynamic configuration enables a single accessory design to adapt to equipment of various sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated accessories for different equipment heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing accessory is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different equipment types and sizes. The base provides universal snap-in engagement with the grid, while the adjustable fixing arm provides universal clamping capability, making the same accessory suitable for various electrical appliances regardless of their specific dimensions.

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

3Productivity

If the fixing arm is held in a fixed position, then the equipment is securely held, but the installation and adjustment are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation speedVSAvoidPositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing arm incorporates elastic clamping means that automatically engage with the base when the arm is positioned. The elastic mechanism provides self-locking, where the arm's own elastic deformation secures it in the desired position without requiring additional locking operations or tools, thus achieving both quick installation and precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic clamping means acts as an intermediary between the fixing arm and the base. This elastic element mediates the connection, allowing the arm to be quickly positioned and then automatically secured through elastic engagement, combining speed with positioning precision without complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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, tool-free installation and secure positioning of equipment of any size on an electrical panel grid, with easy removal and adjustable height, ensuring precise and secure attachment without the need for tools or screws.

Implementation Method 1

the head of the fixing arm is at an adequate distance from the grid to be able to exert an elastic pressure on the equipment so as to maintain the equipment in a desired position on the grid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic pressure: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2780992B1Attachment assembly for electric board
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2780992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2780992B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2780992B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment assembly for an electric board, including a grating (G) and an attachment accessory (A) that engage so as to maintain a device (DEV) in position on the grating (G), the grating (G) including perforations (T) and the attachment accessory (A) being provided with engagement means (E) that can be snap-fitted into the perforations (T) and that are capable of attaching the accessory (A) to the grating (G). The attachment accessory (A) includes a base (B) extending orthogonally to the plane of the grating (G), and an attachment arm (X) comprising a head (H) to be positioned so as to be in contact with the device (DEV) on the grating (G) in order to exert a pressure on the device (DEV) against the grating (G), wherein the attachment arm (X) is capable of sliding along the base (B), and the attachment accessory (A) further includes a means (F) for supporting the attachment arm (X) in a stop position that is fixed relative to the base (B), and adjusted such that the head (H) of the attachment arm (X) is spaced apart from the grating (G) by a distance that is sufficient for exerting the pressure on the device (DEV) positioned at the desired location on the grating (D) in order to keep the device in the desired position.