Modular Component Assembly System with Integrated Bridging Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern component systems in automation technology require complex assembly processes due to separate energy and data distribution systems, and existing bridging elements do not provide adequate mechanical support, leading to issues with weight forces on backplates and potential damage to plug contacts.
Innovation Solution
A modular component assembly system featuring a support profile rail and a bridging module with a module latching device for secure electrical connections, including a receiving groove to absorb tensile forces and a spring-elastic latching section for stable engagement, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced manual connection needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connector systems are used for energy and data distribution, then distribution functions can be realized, but assembly complexity increases and control cabinets become necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate energy and data distribution functions into a single integrated support profile rail system. The rail structure houses both power conductors and data bus conductors together, eliminating the need for separate connector systems and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable distribution functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile rail serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for functional components, distributes electrical energy through integrated conductors, transmits control bus signals, and offers locking mechanisms for secure component attachment. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate systems with a single universal structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fieldbus concepts with backplates are used, then individual components can be placed on backplates, but high weight forces are exerted on the backplates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy backplate structure and replaces it with a distributed support profile rail system. Each functional component is individually supported and locked to the rail, distributing the weight forces along the entire rail length rather than concentrating them on a single backplate, thereby reducing peak forces while maintaining component placement flexibility.
3Reliability
If bridging elements are used for electrical connection, then functional components can be connected, but no mechanical support functions are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with mechanical support functions into a single integrated bridging module. The module contains both plug contacts for electrical connectivity and structural elements that provide mechanical support, absorb tensile forces, and offer locking mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for separate mechanical support structures.
4Reliability
If manual connection technology is used for wiring, then all voltages and control bus can be connected, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assembling all electrical connections (power and control bus) within the bridging modules before final installation. The integrated conductors and pre-configured plug contacts allow components to be connected simply by attaching them to the rail, eliminating time-consuming manual wiring during assembly while ensuring complete and reliable connections.
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
The system achieves a unified mechanical structure for connection technology and functional components, eliminating the need for manual wiring and securing components with locking options, while preventing damage from tensile forces and enabling flexible and secure attachment of bridging modules to the support profile rail.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-elastic latching section arranged opposite the rigid mounting section for latching onto the support profile rail
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular component assembly system comprising a supporting profiled rail (200) and at least one bridging module (300) for electrically connecting at least one functional component, wherein the bridging module (300) comprises a modular locking means (301) for locking the bridging module (300) onto the supporting profiled rail (200).