Modular Holding Frame with Breakable Sides for Flexible Module Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding frames for modules are inflexible and require separate designs for different numbers of modules, leading to increased manufacturing and logistical complexities, as well as potential spatial mismatches in applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular holding frame arrangement with end faces that can be connected via a positive form-fit connection, allowing for adjustable module spacing by shortening side surfaces at predetermined breaking points, enabling flexible accommodation of various module configurations without the need for separate designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate holding frame designs are created for different numbers of modules, then each design is optimized for its specific application, but manufacturing complexity and logistical burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate different numbers of modules through configurable elements. The frame includes multiple receptacle positions that can be selectively activated, allowing a single design to serve multiple application scenarios without requiring separate optimized designs for each module count.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame is divided into modular segments corresponding to individual module positions. Each segment can be independently configured or removed, allowing the frame to be adapted to different numbers of modules while maintaining the overall structural integrity and application-specific optimization benefits.
2Ease of manufacture
If holding frames are designed for a fixed number of modules, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but spatial mismatches occur in applications
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame incorporates dynamic configurability through removable side surfaces and selectable receptacles. This allows the frame to transition between different configurations (accommodating 1, 2, 3, or 4 modules) while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the base structure, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and spatial flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-configured with multiple receptacle positions and breaking points during manufacturing, preparing it in advance for various module numbers. This preliminary preparation allows rapid adaptation to different applications without requiring custom manufacturing or complex inventory management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with breaking points is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side surfaces are segmented at predetermined breaking points that correspond to module widths. These breaking points are designed as standardized features that can be accurately manufactured using conventional processes, ensuring that the modular segmentation provides flexibility without imposing excessive precision requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of mounting frames for a connector for receiving identical and/or different modules. To present a solution that, in particular, maintains the flexibility with regard to the number of modules that can be used, which has previously been afforded by the possibility of selecting a suitable mounting frame, while allowing for an overall more efficient design, manufacture, storage, and/or application, a corresponding mounting frame arrangement (100) is proposed. The modules (10) are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of a mounting frame arrangement (100) containing modules (10), between a first and a second end face (101, 102) of the mounting frame arrangement (100). The first and the second end faces (101, 102) can be connected to each other via a positive locking connection.that, in the assembled state, at least one transversely extending projection (15) of a module (10) is received in a receptacle (103) in at least one of the side faces of the mounting frame arrangement (100), which extend between the first and the second end faces (101, 102). The side faces (204, 205, 304) or side face sections (111, 112, 121, 122) each have predetermined breaking points (130, 230) for shortening by integer multiples of a module width.