Tool-Free Mounting Plate With Indexing Rails For Modular Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection and connection boxes for public lighting systems have limited modularity and require tools for support installation, complicating the assembly and disassembly process.
Innovation Solution
A protection and connection box design featuring a plate with longitudinal attachment rails and a central indexing rail with notches, combined with removable supports having hooking hooks and indexing studs, allowing for tool-free installation and improved modularity by enabling snap-fastening and elastic deformation for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting systems with multiple support types and designated areas are used, then supports can be secured within the box, but modularity is limited and installation requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with a universal mounting system that can accommodate different types of supports (electrical connection components, protective elements, third-party service components) using the same rail structure with standardized mounting hooks and indexing pins, enabling one mounting system to serve multiple functions and support types
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is divided into multiple mounting positions along the longitudinal rails with distributed indexing pins and notches, allowing supports to be segmented and installed at different positions independently, enhancing modularity and flexibility in configuration
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems requiring tools are used, then supports can be securely fixed, but the installation and disassembly process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs self-service characteristics where the support's own mounting hooks and indexing pins enable attachment to and disengagement from the mounting plate without external tools. The hooks engage with the rails and the indexing pins align with notches to provide secure fixation that can be installed and removed by hand
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements through the interaction between the mounting hooks and the rails, allowing the support to be easily attached and detached. The indexing pins engage with notches to provide stable positioning while maintaining the capability for quick release without permanent fixation
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
Enables easy, tool-free installation and disassembly of supports along the box's length, enhancing modularity and reducing installation complexity compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hook, preferably each hook, has a cavity, and each cavity is configured to accommodate a tool for disengaging the hook which has this cavity from the associated side rail of the plate, by elastic deformation of the elastically deformable tab connecting this hook to the main body
Data Source
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AI summary
This protective and connection housing (1) incorporates a mounting plate (3) equipped with rails (331, 35) and at least one support (5, 7), attached to this plate and removable. The mounting plate (3) has two longitudinally arranged mounting rails (331) and a central indexing rail (35) with notches. The support (5, 7) has at least two mounting hooks (55, 75) and at least one indexing pin. These mounting hooks and this indexing pin allow the support to be manually mounted onto the mounting plate by snapping the mounting hooks onto the mounting rails and engaging the indexing pin in one of the notches of the central indexing rail. The mounting rails extend over at least 30% of the usable length (L3) of the mounting plate. The central indexing rail extends over at least 25% of this usable length. The mounting rails and the central indexing rail allow the support (5, 7) to be fixed to the base plate.