Modular Contact Insert Retaining Frame with Elastic Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding frames for modular contact inserts face challenges in easily attaching and reliably locking contact inserts, while also allowing for easy removal, which is not efficiently addressed in prior designs.
Innovation Solution
A holding frame design featuring a separate blocking element, such as a spring element made of spring steel, that is attached to the frame wall to encompass it at a second edge, with a bracket section that locks projection elements in place and can be adjusted to release them, allowing for secure attachment and independent removal of contact inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact inserts are securely locked to the holding frame using blocking elements, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed as a resilient (elastic) component that can dynamically change its position between a blocking state (preventing removal) and a non-blocking state (allowing easy removal). When force is applied to the adjustment element, the resilient blocking element deforms and moves to release the projection element, enabling simple tool-free removal while maintaining secure locked state during normal use
2Reliability
If multiple blocking elements are provided for each recess, then reliability of locking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: it blocks the recess to prevent removal, provides resilient engagement with the projection element, and includes an adjustment element for controlled release. This single integrated component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate elements, achieving reliable locking without increasing device complexity
3Device complexity
If blocking elements are integrated into the frame wall, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed as a separate, detachable component from the frame wall, allowing it to be manufactured independently using optimized processes for resilient components. This segmentation enables the frame wall to be produced separately and the blocking elements to be attached subsequently, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining low device complexity through the modular design
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 design enables secure locking and easy removal of contact inserts, providing flexible and reliable attachment and detachment mechanisms, ensuring contact inserts are firmly held during assembly and usage without requiring complex tools or operations.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking element is designed as a resilient element made of spring steel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~7
AI summary
A retaining frame (3) for receiving modular contact inserts (4) comprises an opening (30) into which at least one contact insert (4) can be inserted in an insertion direction (E), and a frame wall (31, 32) that at least partially limits the opening (30) and has a rim (313, 323) and at least one recess (310, 320) formed in the rim (313, 323) into which a projection element (420, 421) of the contact insert (4) can be inserted when a contact insert (4) is inserted into the opening (30).Additionally, a locking element (35, 36, 38, 39) arranged on the side wall (31, 32) is provided with a bracket section (350, 360, 380, 390) which, in a locking position, limits the at least one recess (310, 320) opposite to the insertion direction (E) in order to hold the projection element (420, 421) of the contact insert (4) in the recess (310, 320) opposite to the insertion direction (E), and can be moved from the locking position to a release position transversely to the insertion direction (E) to release the projection element (420, 421) for removal of the contact insert (4) from the retaining frame (3).