Modular DIN Rail PCB Plug Connection With Floating Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular DIN rail mounting devices for electromechanical protective devices face challenges in optimal space utilization and assembly issues due to the distribution of electronic components across widely spaced installation areas, leading to mechanical stress and assembly problems.

Innovation Solution

A modular, multi-pole DIN rail mounting device comprising first and second device modules with floatingly mounted printed circuit boards and a mechanical plug connection, using a centering aid and fixing elements to prevent mechanical over-constraint and simplify assembly, while maintaining a standard width dimension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multi-pole devices are used to treat multiple indications, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent modules, each module containing a magnet assembly that can be selectively attached to the rail. This allows the device to be segmented into functional units that can be configured based on treatment requirements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single rail-mounted device system provides multiple treatment functions through different magnet assemblies that can be attached to the same rail. The system achieves multi-functionality by allowing different pole configurations (bipolar, quadrupolar, hexapolar) to be used on a common platform, eliminating the need for separate devices for each treatment type.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multi-pole devices are used to treat multiple indications, then treatment versatility is improved, but the device size and patient comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent modules, each module containing a magnet assembly that can be selectively attached to the rail. This allows the device to be segmented into functional units that can be configured based on treatment requirements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where magnet assemblies can be selectively attached and detached from the rail. This dynamic capability allows the device size to be adjusted based on treatment needs, improving patient comfort while maintaining treatment versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If modular components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability between modules may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet assemblies are merged with the rail through direct attachment, creating a unified structure that eliminates separate connection interfaces. This merging approach ensures reliable electrical and mechanical connections while maintaining modular flexibility for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive adhesive serves as an intermediary between the magnet assembly and the rail, providing both mechanical bonding and electrical connectivity. This intermediary solution ensures reliable connections while allowing for modular assembly and disassembly of the device components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures easy assembly, prevents mechanical stress on circuit boards, and maintains a compact design compatible with standard DIN rail dimensions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the device.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets arranged in a multi-pole configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4540850B1Modular multi-pole rail-mounted device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4540850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4540850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4540850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The modular multi-pole rail-mounted device (1) according to the invention has a first device module (10) for connection to a first phase conductor, a second device module (20) for connection to a second phase conductor, and an insulating-material housing (2) formed from a first housing module (11) and a second housing module (12) through connection by means of a first connecting means (9), wherein the first housing module (11) is assigned to the first device module (10) and the second housing module (21) is assigned to the second device module (20). Furthermore, the multi-pole rail-mounted device (1) has a first printed circuit board (12) which is accommodated and held in the first housing module (11) and a second printed circuit board (22) which is accommodated and held in the second housing module (21). The first printed circuit board (12) and the second printed circuit board (22) are in this case electrically conductively connected by way of a mechanical plug connection (50) which has at least one contact element (51) and at least one contact receptacle (52) associated therewith, wherein the first printed circuit board (12) in the first housing module (11) is mounted in a floating manner in a first direction (x) and in a second direction (y) oriented orthogonally to the first direction (x). The fact that the first printed circuit board is mounted in a floating manner means that mechanical overdetermination of the joining partners, that is to say the plug connection (50) and the associated printed circuit boards (10, 20), is effectively prevented.