Tool-Free Mounting Rail Locking for Busbar Adapter Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting rails for busbar adapters require tools for secure attachment and repositioning, which can be inconvenient and lead to lost screws during handling.

Innovation Solution

A mounting rail design that allows secure attachment and adjustment without tools, utilizing surface structures on the rail and guide rail profiles that engage manually, and spring means for locking and releasing the rail's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to secure the mounting rail to the busbar adapter, then the mounting rail can be securely attached, but the attachment process becomes inconvenient and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidattachment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail incorporates spring means that automatically engage with the guide rail profiles when the mounting rail is inserted into the busbar adapter. The spring means exert a closing force that secures the mounting rail to the busbar adapter without requiring external tools or additional fastening operations, making the system self-securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screws are used to secure the mounting rail, then the mounting rail can be firmly fixed, but the screws may get lost during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm fixationVSAvoidlost screws
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the screws from the system by replacing them with spring means that are integral to the mounting rail structure. The spring means are retained on the mounting rail and automatically engage with the guide rail profiles, preventing any loss of fastening elements during handling while maintaining firm fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the mounting rail is attached with screws, then the position can be fixed, but repositioning or removing the rail requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fixationVSAvoidrepositioning convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring means provide a dynamic securing mechanism where the mounting rail can be easily inserted and secured by manual operation. The spring means can be manually disengaged from the guide rail profiles, allowing the mounting rail to be repositioned or removed without tools. The spring mechanism naturally maintains engagement during normal operation but allows easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a tool-free mounting system is implemented, then handling convenience is improved, but the attachment security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring means are formed with curved or elastic structures that provide both ease of manual operation and secure attachment. The elastic deformation of the spring means allows for simple manual engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliable securing force during operation, combining convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 secure, tool-free attachment and adjustment of the mounting rail along the busbar adapter, improving handling convenience and reducing the risk of lost screws, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

spring means (50) which exert a closing force in the longitudinal direction x of the busbar adapter part 100 and which keep the second surface 18 in engagement with the first surface 118

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4518053A1Mounting rail
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 WOHNER BESITZ GMBH
  • EP4518053A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4518053A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4518053A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Mounting rail adapted for being attached to a guide rail system, the guide rail system comprising two parallel guide rail profiles running in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail system and being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined first distance, the mounting rail comprising: two parallel wings running in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail system when the mounting rail is attached to the guide rail system, each wing comprising a first longitudinal, L-profile leg, the first longitudinal leg being adapted to engage slidably in the longitudinal direction in a respective longitudinal recess provided on respective a first lateral surface of the respective guide rail profile, and at least one of the wings comprising a second longitudinal leg, with a second surface structure, the second surface structure being formed such that it blocks, when in engagement with a first surface structure provided on a second lateral surface of the respective guide rail profile, the mounting rail from sliding in at least one predetermined direction, the at least one predetermined direction being parallel or antiparallel to the longitudinal direction; the at least one of the wings comprising spring means for keeping the second surface structure in engagement with the first surface structure, when the mounting rail is attached to the busbar adapter part.