Installation Part Modular Contour Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation parts, such as collective holders, require different connector designs for back-to-back connections, leading to increased production effort and cumbersome handling, as they need to be specifically complemented for transverse connections without additional parts.

Innovation Solution

The design features a connecting section with two modular contour sections separated by an insertion groove, allowing for alignment and engagement of complementary connectors for back-to-back connections without additional parts, and an insertion groove that serves multiple functions, including adapter mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complementary connector designs are used for back-to-back connections, then connection functionality is achieved, but production effort and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting section is divided into two separate array contour sections (first and second array contour sections) that are spaced apart from each other. Each section can independently engage with complementary connectors on adjacent installation parts, enabling back-to-back connections without requiring complex complementary designs across the entire connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting section is designed to provide both a first array contour and a second array contour with complementary connectors, making it universally compatible for connecting installation parts in multiple orientations (including back-to-back connections) without requiring different connector designs for different connection scenarios.

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

2Ease of operation

If identical installation parts are connected back-to-back, then handling is simplified, but additional connector parts are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidadditional connector parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second array contour sections are integrated into a single connecting section of the installation part. This merging eliminates the need for separate additional connector parts, as both array contours are provided within the same connecting section structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting section serves multiple functions by providing both array contours for different connection orientations within a single component, eliminating the need for additional separate connector parts when connecting identical installation parts back-to-back.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple array contour sections are provided in one connecting section, then connection versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidarray contour alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting section is segmented into distinct first and second array contour sections that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows each array contour to be independently formed and positioned, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a single integrated contour while maintaining overall alignment through the structured spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2236885B1Installation part
Publication Date: 2015.12.16 OBO BETTERMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2236885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2236885B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2236885B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b

AI summary

An installation part 1 serves to hold installation cables with at least one connecting section V having an alignment contour A1, A2 for connecting this first installation part 1 to a second installation part carrying a connecting section with a complementary alignment contour. The connecting section V of the first installation part 1 has at least one connector W1. This connector is designed as an alignment contour either as a female connector in the form of an undercut groove or as a male connector designed complementary to the cross-sectional geometry of the female connector M1. The connecting section V of the installation part 1 has at least two alignment contour sections A1, A2, spaced apart from each other by an insertion groove 15 extending transversely to the joining direction.In one of the assembly contour sections A1, at least one female and one male connector are arranged, and in the assembly contour section A2, which is spaced from it by the insertion groove 15, a connector complementary to at least one connector is arranged. The clear width of the insertion groove 15 corresponds at least to the longitudinal extent of one of the two assembly contour sections A1, A2 in the joining direction for connecting two installation parts 1. The mutually complementary connectors M1, W2 of two adjacent assembly contour sections A1, A2 are arranged flush with each other in the joining direction.