Wall-Mounted Module Assembly With Tool-Release Locking Hooks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building services modules face challenges in being both cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing while ensuring safety, particularly in installations where modules can be easily removed, posing risks to children.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system for building services modules that secures them without a cover frame, using locking hooks or tabs on the mounting plate and spring arms for easy alignment and secure attachment, allowing modules to be easily removed with a tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If modules are securely fixed to the wall without a cover frame, then aesthetic appearance is improved and costs are reduced, but safety against unauthorized removal by children deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidsafety against unauthorized removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is divided into separate components: locking hooks integrated into the mounting plate and corresponding engagement elements on the module housing. This segmentation allows the security function to be built into the base structure rather than requiring an external cover frame, achieving both aesthetic simplicity and reliable security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking hooks are pre-positioned on the mounting plate before module installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that security is inherently built into the mounting structure itself, eliminating the need for additional protective frames while maintaining both aesthetics and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If locking mechanisms are integrated into the mounting plate, then device complexity is reduced and installation is simplified, but ease of removal by users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidmodule removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A tool-accessible release mechanism serves as an intermediary between the locking hooks and the module. This allows authorized users to easily remove modules using a simple tool, while maintaining a simple integrated locking structure that prevents unauthorized removal. The intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If spring arms are used for alignment, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arms automatically perform the alignment function during module insertion. As the module is inserted, the spring arms deflect and then return to their original position, naturally guiding the module into correct alignment with the locking hooks. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment devices while maintaining installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3769385B1Mounting assembly for domestic modules
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 DR RALF HINKEL HLDG
  • EP3769385B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3769385B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3769385B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a domestic user module assembly comprising a wall-side mounting plate and a domestic user module which is secured against being removed and is held in a contacting manner, wherein the mounting plate has a securing assembly for securing the module against being removed, said securing assembly protruding from the wall, and the domestic user module has an edge which is designed for a securing engagement with the securing assembly protruding from the wall. Furthermore, the edge has a through-opening which leads to the securing assembly and through which the securing assembly can be brought out of engagement in order to allow a removal of the user module.