Integral Snap-Acting DIN Rail Mounting Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing components require additional mounting feet or clips, increasing manufacturing costs and assembly time, and introducing potential errors and failures due to the need for extra parts when attached to DIN rails.
Innovation Solution
An integral snap-acting DIN rail mounting system with a flexible hinge connecting the component and mounting portions, featuring tabs and mounting feet that engage the rail for secure snap-on and snap-off functionality, eliminating the need for separate mounting parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mounting feet or clips are used to attach components to DIN rails, then secure mounting is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting feet are integrally formed with the component housing as a single molded part, eliminating separate mounting clips or feet. The housing itself is designed with built-in mounting features including resilient tabs that engage with DIN rail flanges, combining the component body and mounting mechanism into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The component housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the electrical components, provides structural support, and acts as the mounting mechanism itself through integrated resilient tabs. The housing is designed to directly engage with DIN rail flanges without requiring additional specialized mounting parts.
2Reliability
If separate mounting feet or clips are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting feet are integrally formed with the component housing as a single molded part, eliminating separate mounting clips or feet. The housing itself is designed with built-in mounting features including resilient tabs that engage with DIN rail flanges, combining the component body and mounting mechanism into one unified structure.
3Reliability
If separate mounting feet or clips are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting feet are integrally formed with the component housing as a single molded part, eliminating separate mounting clips or feet. The housing itself is designed with built-in mounting features including resilient tabs that engage with DIN rail flanges, combining the component body and mounting mechanism into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting feet and resilient tabs are pre-formed as integral parts of the housing during the molding process. The resilient tabs are pre-configured with the correct geometry and material properties to automatically engage with DIN rail flanges when the component is pushed onto the rail, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
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
This solution reduces the number of parts and installation time, allows for easy installation and removal of components from DIN rails without tools, and minimizes errors, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting portion is integrally formed to the component portion via a flexible hinge
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure with integral snap-acting mounting feet for mounting a unit, such as a sensor, to a DIN rail. The unit includes a component portion and a mounting portion. The component portion is the sensor or other apparatus. The mounting portion is integrally formed to the component portion through a flexible hinge portion. The mounting portion includes a tab formed on either side of the mounting portion, and a mounting foot integrally formed to each tab. The flexible hinge portion allows the operator to easily snap the unit onto a DIN rail. The unit is then removed from the DIN rail by pulling on either of the tabs, which causes the hinge portion to flex and allows the mounting foot to be disengaged from the DIN rail.