Modular Rail Housing With Deflectable Locking And Coupling Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular housing systems for devices attached to mounting rails lack versatility, ease of assembly, and operational reliability, particularly in industrial control technology, where devices need to be stacked and connected efficiently with varying voltage and current requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular housing system with a first housing part that accommodates multiple coupling modules for power and signal lines, featuring a deflectable locking mechanism and blocking element for secure connection, allowing for easy adaptation to different voltage and current levels, and eliminating the need for manual wiring through the use of coupling modules that can be secured without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices are connected using traditional connecting cables and terminals, then electrical connections can be established, but assembly is time-consuming and requires manual wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple detachable parts (first housing part, second housing part) that can be assembled separately and then connected. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly of components and simplifies the overall assembly process by breaking down complex wiring tasks into modular steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling modules are integrated within the housing structure, with signal line coupling modules and power line coupling modules nested within respective housing parts. This nesting eliminates the need for external connecting cables and terminals, as connections are made internally through the coupled modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling modules are integrated into the housing, then modularity and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing system is designed with universal coupling modules that can handle different types of connections (signal lines and power lines) and different voltage/current levels. The first and second housing parts can be combined in various configurations, and coupling modules can be selectively installed based on specific application requirements, providing multi-functionality without requiring entirely different housing designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are designed to be detachably connectable, allowing the system to be dynamically configured. Users can assemble or disassemble housing parts and coupling modules based on specific needs, enabling the system to adapt its complexity level to match the actual application requirements rather than always maintaining maximum complexity.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure housing parts, then connection reliability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the first housing part and second housing part are connected. The locking elements self-activate through the connection process itself, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations. This self-service approach maintains high connection reliability while avoiding the complexity of manually operated locking systems.
4Productivity
If manual wiring is required for power and signal lines, then flexibility in connection configuration is maintained, but assembly time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling modules for signal lines and power lines are nested within the housing structure, with connection terminals and contact elements pre-positioned within the modules. This nesting eliminates the need for manual wiring operations, as all electrical connections are pre-established within the coupling modules during manufacturing, thereby reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connections.
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 system provides enhanced modularity, adaptability, and operational reliability by simplifying assembly, preventing incorrect connections, and ensuring secure, reliable coupling of power and signal lines, while allowing for easy adjustment at the installation site to meet specific voltage and current needs.
Implementation Method 1
a second housing part which can be detachably connected to the first housing part by means of an elastically deflectable locking device
Implementation Method 2
the deflection of the locking means can be blocked by a blocking element movably mounted on the second housing part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing, particularly a series electronic housing, for devices (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) that can be mounted and arranged side-by-side on a carrier rail (10), wherein the housing has a first housing part (2A, 6A, 12A), by means of which the device (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) can be mounted on the carrier rail (10). The housing is characterized in that the first housing part (2A, 6A, 12A) has at least two receiving devices (28) for fixing a respective coupling module (20, 24, 70, 74) on the first housing part (2A, 6A, 12A), and in that either a coupling module (20, 70) for coupling energy supply lines (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) between two adjacent devices (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) arranged on the carrier rail or a coupling module (24, 74) for coupling signal lines between two adjacent devices (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) arranged on the carrier rail can be fixed on at least two receiving devices (28), said receiving devices being arranged in the first housing part (2A, 6A, 12A), preferably a distance away from one another. The invention further relates to an associated housing module system and a device (2, 4, 6, 8, 12) having such a housing.