Interconnected Latching Feet for Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching systems for electrical assemblies on support rails require high effort for unlatching multiple adjacent latching feet, making it difficult to replace or detach assemblies quickly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A latching foot group comprising a first latching foot with a tool receiving area and interconnected second latching feet, where the first clamping part has a longer latching finger support surface and spring legs for easy unlatching, allowing simultaneous movement of connected latching feet with minimal effort using a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple latching feet are arranged adjacently to secure electrical assemblies on a support rail, then the latching reliability is improved, but the effort required to unlatch all latching feet increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching feet are interconnected through positive connections between their first clamping parts, forming a unified latching foot group. This merging allows all latching feet to be actuated simultaneously through a single tool application point, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliable multi-point latching while enabling easy group unlatching.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping part of each latching foot serves multiple functions: it provides latching action through the latching finger, enables interconnection with adjacent latching feet through positive connections, and allows tool application for unlatching. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating several operations into a unified structure that maintains reliability while simplifying operation.
2Ease of operation
If each latching foot has its own tool receiving area for independent unlatching, then the ease of operation for individual latching feet is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing separate tool receiving areas on each latching foot, the invention merges the tool application function into a single location on the first latching foot. The interconnection structure transmits the unlatching force to all other latching feet, reducing structural complexity while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive connections between first clamping parts act as intermediaries that transmit the unlatching force from the single tool application point to all other latching feet. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for multiple tool receiving areas while ensuring all latching feet can be released efficiently.
3Stability of the object's composition
If latching feet are interconnected with rigid connections, then the stability of the latching foot group is improved, but the ease of unlatching decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between latching feet incorporates resilient elements that allow dynamic movement during unlatching. The spring legs enable the first clamping parts to move relative to each other, providing flexibility that facilitates easy unlatching while maintaining stable interconnected positioning during the latched state.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient configuration of the spring legs changes the mechanical parameters of the connection, allowing it to transition from a rigid stable state during latching to a flexible movable state during unlatching. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the connection characteristics to the operational requirements of each phase.
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
Facilitates simple and quick latching and unlatching of the latching foot group, reducing the effort required to detach the assembly from the support rail by allowing the latching fingers to be easily bent out of their grasping position with a single tool application.
Implementation Method 1
the spring legs allow an elastic connection of the latching fingers to the first clamping part, so that by engaging the unlatching tool on the tool receiving area of the first clamping part of the first latching foot, the latching fingers can be pressed with little effort out of the position latching or grasping the support rail
Data Source
AI summary
A latching foot assembly for latching electrical components on a support rail includes first and second latching feet or members each including first and second resilient clamping portions between which the support rail is latched or grasped. A latching finger is integral with the first clamping portion of each latching foot. The first clamping portions of the latching feet are connected in interlocking fashion. The latching finger of the first clamping portion of the first latching foot has a support surface for supporting the support rail in a latched state. The support surface extends farther in the direction of the second clamping portion than a support surface for supporting the support rail in the latched state of the latching finger of the first clamping portion of the at least one second latching foot.