Resilient Latching Arm Fastening Clip for Terminal Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening clamps for terminal blocks in housing walls require time-consuming assembly and disassembly processes, often necessitating tool operation and are prone to slipping due to inadequate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clamp design featuring a resilient latching arm with metal elements that create a non-positive connection with the housing wall, allowing for tool-free assembly and secure fixation without the need to move the clamping element into a separate clamping position, utilizing recesses and receiving pockets for metal elements to prevent lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw mechanism is used to move the clamping element into a clamping position, then secure fixation is achieved, but assembly and disassembly become time-consuming and require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clamp enables self-service installation by eliminating the need for tools and complex screw mechanisms. The resilient latching arm with metal elements automatically engages with the housing wall upon insertion, providing secure fixation without requiring manual operation of clamping elements or fastening tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a resilient latching mechanism. The spring-loaded latching arm with sharp-edged metal elements creates a force-fit connection that substitutes for threaded fasteners, enabling tool-free installation while maintaining secure fixation.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible connecting link is used in the locking element, then easy fastening and unfastening is achieved, but the link is susceptible to torsion and can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a resilient latching arm and separate sharp-edged metal elements. This segmentation allows the latching arm to provide the pivoting motion for easy operation while the rigid metal elements provide torsion-resistant engagement points with the housing wall, eliminating the weakness of flexible connecting links.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism combines a resilient material (for the latching arm) with metal elements (for structural rigidity). This composite approach allows the latching arm to be flexible enough for easy operation while the metal elements provide the necessary torsion resistance and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If bores are provided in the housing wall for screws, then secure mounting is achieved, but the housing wall structure is compromised and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the housing wall structure itself. Instead of requiring bores and screws that modify the housing wall, the resilient latching arm with metal elements creates an independent fastening system that engages with the housing wall surface, eliminating the need for structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal elements act as intermediaries between the mounting clamp and the housing wall. These sharp-edged elements create a force-fit connection with the housing wall material, providing secure mounting without requiring direct screw engagement or structural modification of the housing wall.
4Ease of operation
If a resilient latching arm with metal elements is used, then tool-free assembly is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient latching arm with the sharp-edged metal elements into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining tool-free assembly capability. The metal elements are positioned within recesses in the latching arm, creating a unified structure.
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
Simplifies the assembly and disassembly of terminal blocks by leveraging the restoring force of the resilient latching arm and metal elements for secure, vibration-resistant fixation, eliminating the need for tools and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening clamp design featuring a resilient latching arm with metal elements that create a non-positive connection with the housing wall
Implementation Method 2
the clamping element is designed as a spring-loaded locking arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A mounting clamp (1) for fixing at least one terminal block (31) in a wall opening (4) of a housing wall (5) is shown and described, comprising a terminal housing (2) and at least one clamping element, wherein the terminal housing (2) has two opposite sides (21, 22) which, in the mounted state of the mounting clamp (1), each interact with an inner edge (41, 42) of the wall opening (4), and wherein a recess (6) is formed in the first side (21) with which the terminal housing (2) sits on the lower inner edge (41) of the wall opening (4) in the mounted state of the mounting clamp (1).The mounting clamp (1) enables easy mounting and dismounting of the terminal blocks in a wall opening of a housing wall, the clamping element is designed as a spring-loaded locking arm (7) which is attached with its base (8) to the second side (22) of the terminal housing (2) and in which a recess (10) is formed which, in the mounted state of the mounting clamp (1), receives the upper inner edge (42) of the wall opening (4), and in which at least one metal element (11) is arranged in the locking arm (7), wherein the metal element (11) has a sharp-edged section (12) which projects into the recess (10) in such a way that, in the mounted state of the mounting clamp (1), a force-fit connection exists between the sharp-edged section (12) and a section (52) of the housing wall (5) which adjoins the upper inner edge (42) of the wall opening (4).