Multi-purpose fixing element with asymmetric recess for secure wall and rail mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for battery connection brackets require multiple components for different installation configurations, leading to inefficiencies and the need for various components to be stocked for specific mounting needs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-purpose fastening element with a flat connection body featuring multiple fastening holes and a fixing device with asymmetric recesses and locking pins, allowing for secure attachment to both walls and mounting rails without requiring specific positioning knowledge, enabling flexible and reversible attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components are used for wall mounting and mounting rail attachment, then secure fixation is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidmultiple components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body is designed with a universal fixing device that can attach to both walls and mounting rails. The fixing device includes a recess that accepts either a locking pin (for wall mounting) or engages with mounting rail holes, allowing one component to serve multiple mounting purposes without requiring separate wall plates or mounting-specific variants.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple configuration-specific components are maintained, then precise positioning is achieved, but ease of operation and installation flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise positioningVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body incorporates an asymmetric fixing device with a recess that can dynamically adapt to different mounting scenarios. The recess is positioned and shaped to work with either wall mounting (using locking pin through recess into wall) or mounting rail attachment (recess engaging with rail holes), allowing the same component to achieve precise positioning in both configurations without requiring the installer to select between different component variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single multi-purpose component is used, then ease of operation and versatility improve, but achieving secure fixation and torsion-proof positioning becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidsecure fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device features an asymmetric recess with specific dimensional characteristics that enable secure fixation across different mounting types. The recess has a depth and cross-section designed to accommodate a locking pin for wall mounting while also engaging properly with mounting rail holes. The asymmetric positioning of the recess relative to the connection body's fastening holes ensures that when mounted on a rail, the geometry naturally prevents rotation and achieves torsion-proof positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the connection body and the mounting surface. Whether the mounting surface is a wall or a mounting rail, the locking pin passes through or engages with the recess to create a secure mechanical connection. This intermediary approach allows the same fixing mechanism to achieve reliable fixation in both wall mounting and rail mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If additional wall plates and mounting-specific components are provided, then reliable attachment is achieved, but loss of time and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable attachmentVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body is designed as a universal mounting component that eliminates the need for separate wall plates. The fixing device with its specifically positioned recess can directly attach to walls using a locking pin or to mounting rails by engaging with rail holes, providing reliable attachment in both scenarios with a single component type, thereby reducing installation time and simplifying inventory management.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2468965B1Multi-purpose fixing element with an elbow tube connecting element
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 UPONOR INNOVATION AB
  • EP2468965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2468965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2468965B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Multi-purpose fastening element (1) with a cable angle, comprising: - a flat connection body (4) with at least two fastening through holes (40, 41, 44) in the connection body (4) for fastening the element (1) to a wall, comprising: - connection body - in which the cable angle (2, 3) is attached to a front side of the connection body (4), - in which at least one recess (42, 43) is provided on a rear side of the connection body (4); - fixing element - a fixing element (46, 47) whose shape fits into the recess (42, 43) of the connection body (4), so that after fitting the fixing element into the recess, the flat connection body (4) can be fixed to a mounting piece (50) in a rotationally secure manner, wherein at least one of the fastening through holes (40, 41, 44) in the connection body (4) is designed for fixing to the mounting piece (50).