Modular Device Carrier with Latching Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current device carriers are manufactured in various sizes and shapes, making them difficult to automate, efficiently fit, label, and wire in different installation situations and housings, as each housing requires a specific mount, leading to inefficiencies in installation and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular device carrier design with protruding sections featuring latching devices that allow multiple carriers to be connected and configured into various modules without tools, enabling flexible adaptation to different applications and allowing for adjustable spacing and secure attachment using latching projections and recesses, along with RFID tags for information storage and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device carriers of different sizes and shapes are manufactured for different housings, then adaptability to various installation situations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation situationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device carrier is designed as a universal module that can be used in different housings and installation situations through standardized connecting webs and latching devices. The modular design allows a single carrier type to serve multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carrier variants.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device carrier is divided into modular sections with standardized connecting webs that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the carrier to be adapted to different housing sizes and shapes by selectively assembling and configuring the modular components rather than manufacturing entirely different carrier types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device carriers of different sizes and shapes are manufactured for different housings, then adaptability to various installation situations is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation situationsVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal device carrier design with standardized connecting webs and latching devices can be manufactured once and used across all housing types. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized carrier variants, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adaptability to different installation situations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device carrier uses adjustable and configurable parameters such as the positioning of connecting webs and latching devices to adapt to different housing dimensions. Rather than manufacturing different physical carrier types, the same carrier can be configured with different parameters to suit various installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated fitting, labeling or wiring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring standardized interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized connecting webs and latching devices create a universal interface that enables automated fitting, labeling, and wiring operations. This standardized interface allows robotic systems and automated equipment to consistently handle and configure device carriers across different applications, improving productivity while the modular design keeps the actual complexity manageable.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3945647A1Device carrier and device carrier module for a circuit distributor
Publication Date: 2022.02.02 MANGELBERGER PHILIP
  • EP3945647A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945647A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945647A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Device carrier (1), which is intended for installation in a housing of a circuit distribution board, with two spaced-apart connecting webs (3, 4) that can be fastened in the housing and a profile rail (2) extending orthogonally thereto for fastening electrical components, wherein each connecting web (3, 4) has a first section (5) that projects from the profile rail (2) in one direction and a second section (6) that projects from the profile rail (2) in the opposite direction, wherein first locking devices are arranged on the upper side of the first sections (5) and second locking devices are arranged on the lower side of the second sections (6), wherein the first locking devices and the second locking devices can be locked together.