Magnetic Swivel Mounting for Detachable Controller Top Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mounting systems for electronic controller modules on standardized equipment rails require complex disconnection procedures for maintenance, necessitating additional tools and devices, limiting flexibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system featuring a mechanical engagement mechanism for pivotable attachment and a magnetic retaining mechanism that allows easy installation and secure retention of a top unit onto the controller module, enabling swiveling between attached and detached positions without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex disconnection procedure is used to mount/dismount the top unit, then the retention security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention securityVSAvoidease of mounting/dismounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic field-based retaining mechanism. The magnetic field provides secure retention of the top unit on the controller module without requiring complex mechanical disconnection procedures, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining retention security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the controllable strength of magnetic fields as a parameter to achieve both secure retention and easy release. By adjusting the magnetic field strength characteristics, the system provides strong holding force during operation but allows simple detachment when needed, resolving the contradiction between retention security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional tools and devices are required for maintenance, then the retention security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention securityVSAvoidadditional tools and devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for additional mechanical tools and devices by using a magnetic field-based retaining mechanism. The magnetic field provides secure retention without requiring extra fastening tools, screws, or complex mechanical assemblies, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining retention security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic retaining mechanism is self-contained and does not require external tools or additional devices for operation. The top unit can be mounted and dismounted directly using the magnetic field's inherent properties, eliminating the need for separate maintenance tools and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the top unit is permanently fixed, then the retention security is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention securityVSAvoidreusability across modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic retention system using magnetic fields that can easily transition between holding and releasing states. This allows the top unit to be securely retained during operation but easily removed and transferred to different controller modules, providing both retention security and adaptability for cross-module reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic retaining mechanism provides a universal mounting solution that works across multiple controller modules. The top unit can be easily transferred between different modules while maintaining secure retention on each, enhancing adaptability and versatility without compromising retention security.

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

4Ease of operation

If a magnetic retaining mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mounting/dismountingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field extends beyond the precise contact area between the top unit and controller module, providing retaining force over a larger area. This excessive magnetic field coverage compensates for minor alignment variations, allowing easy operation without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision for alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 easy and secure mounting/dismounting of the top unit, allowing it to be used across multiple controller modules, reducing the need for individual units and simplifying maintenance, service, and data transfer processes.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the top unit in a swiveled-in position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4354665B1Mounting system for mounting a top unit onto an electronic controller module
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 DANFOSS AS
  • EP4354665B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4354665B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4354665B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mounting system for detachably fixing a top unit (7) onto a housing of an electronic controller module (2) mountable on a standardized equipment rail (1) for holding electronic controller modules (2,3,4). The problem to be solved is to provide a mounting system which is easy to handle. The above problem is solved by a mounting system, which comprises a mechanical engagement mechanism for pivotable mechanical engagement of the top unit (7) with the electronic controller module (2), and a magnetic retaining mechanism for releasably retaining the top unit (7) in a swiveled-in position.