System for fixing mounting rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assembling mounting rails face challenges in allowing easy attachment and precise alignment in multiple orientations without susceptibility to assembly errors, while also being material-efficient and simple to produce.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first component with a receptacle and a second component with an extension, where the second component can be assembled in two orientations using an adapter that provides rotational and translational freedom, allowing for easy assembly in one orientation without the adapter and requiring it for the second orientation, with a prismatic shape for efficient production and minimal processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a component is designed with a square extension to allow assembly in multiple orientations, then assembly versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three separate components: a first component with a receptacle, a second component with an extension, and an adapter. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple prismatic shape while the combination enables assembly in multiple orientations (0° and 90°), resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it enables the second component to be assembled with the first component in both the first orientation (0°) and the second orientation (90°). This multi-functionality allows a single simple component design to achieve assembly versatility without requiring complex geometric features on the main components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a component with square extension is produced, then assembly in multiple orientations is enabled, but production efficiency and quality consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into simple prismatic components (first component, second component, and adapter), each can be manufactured efficiently through extrusion processes. This segmentation enables mass production with consistent quality while maintaining the ability to assemble in multiple orientations through the combination of simple parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is added to enable assembly in second orientation, then assembly versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the first component and the second component. It has a first engagement feature that interfaces with the receptacle of the first component and a second engagement feature that interfaces with the extension of the second component. This intermediary approach enables orientation versatility while keeping each individual component simple.
4Manufacturing precision
If asymmetric socket and extension are designed to prevent assembly errors, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are designed with asymmetric geometry that allows assembly only in the correct orientation. The extension has a specific asymmetric shape that matches the corresponding asymmetric receptacle shape, preventing assembly errors while maintaining simple prismatic forms that are easy to manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for assembling two components in alternative orientations, comprising a first component (1) having a receptacle (3) and a second component (2) having a projection (4). In order to assemble the two components (1, 2), the projection (4) can be inserted into the receptacle (3) in such a way that the projection fits in the receptacle, wherein the second component (2) is fixed in three rotational and two translational degrees of freedom (r1, r2, r3, t1, t2) and is positioned in a first orientation in relation to the first component (1). Alternatively, the second component (2) can be assembled with the first component (1) in a second orientation (02), wherein the first orientation and the second orientation (02) differ by a rotation of the second component (2) about an axis (A) by a right angle. Furthermore, an adapter (5) is provided, which can be placed onto the second component (2) in such a way that the adapter fits on the component, wherein the adapter (5) is transversely and rotationally fixed on the second component (2) with respect to the axis (A). The second component (2) can be assembled with the first component (1) in the second orientation (02) by means of the adapter (5), wherein the adapter (5) can be inserted into the receptacle (3) in such a way that the adapter fits in the receptacle, so that the adapter (5) is fixed in the three rotational and the two translational degrees of freedom (r1, r2, r3, t1, t2) in relation to the first component (1) and the second component (2) is fixed axially between the first component (1) and the adapter (5) with respect to the axis (A). The two components (1, 2) and the adapter (5) can be produced and assembled in a simple manner.