One-Piece Mounting Mechanism for Standard Rails
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting and latching mechanisms for electrical or electronic devices on standard rails are complex and costly due to separate components for immovable and moveable claws, requiring additional guidance and unlocking tools, and lack a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece configuration of immovable and moveable claws with a connecting meander-type spring structure, allowing for translational movement and simple unlocking via an actuation element, which is cost-effective and manufactured using plastic injection molding, providing a compact and symmetrical mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate components for immovable and moveable claws are used, then the mounting mechanism can be designed with distinct functional elements, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the immovable claw, moveable claw, and connecting spring structure into a single integrated component made via plastic injection molding. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and assembly operations, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-mold production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mounting mechanism performs multiple functions within a single component: the immovable claw provides upper attachment, the moveable claw provides lower attachment with spring-loaded latching, and the connecting structure provides both mechanical linkage and elastic force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece configuration is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and manufacture is simplified, but the design flexibility for separate optimization of components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Within the one-piece integrated component, the design incorporates distinct functional segments: an immovable claw portion, a moveable claw portion, and a connecting spring structure. These segments are differentiated through geometry and material properties within the single molded part, allowing functional optimization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the molded structure, particularly in the spring structure's geometry and material properties, to achieve the required elastic behavior and force characteristics. By varying parameters like wall thickness, cross-section shape, and material selection during the molding process, the design achieves both simplicity and functional flexibility.
3Reliability
If multiple hook-type appendages are provided, then the device is securely fastened at multiple points, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hook-type appendages (two on the immovable claw, one or two on the moveable claw) into a single integrated component. This combining approach provides multi-point fastening security while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate claws and appendages, as all hooks are formed as part of the single molded structure.
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
This solution enables a cost-effective, simple, and compact mounting and latching mechanism with enhanced precision and accessibility for device installation and unlocking, ensuring secure fastening at multiple points on the standard rail.
Implementation Method 1
the immovable claw and the moveable claw are formed in one piece with a connecting spring structure
Implementation Method 2
A spring supported against the housing exerts a force on the slider
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting and latching mechanism of an electrical device for fastening to a standard rail, to an immovable claw, and to a claw that is movable via a spring force, wherein the movable claw can be translationally moved relative to the immovable claw and wherein the immovable claw and the movable claw are formed as one piece having a connecting spring structure. A one-piece design is possible because of the translational mobility, which provides for cheap and simple production.