Rail-Mounted Plug-In Module Latch Release for Easy Dismounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail-mounted devices with removable plug-in modules require high pulling forces, leading to accidental disconnection of adjacent modules, mechanical stress on components, and difficulties in handling due to lack of ergonomic gripping surfaces and undercuts, which complicates the dismounting process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates actuating elements with undercuts and resiliently elastic tongues that allow for easy gripping and pulling of plug-in modules without tools, providing stable locking and preventing accidental disconnections, while maintaining compatibility with protective covers and standard installation dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If narrow plug-in modules are arranged in parallel one beside the other, then space utilization is improved, but pulling forces increase and accidental disconnection risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in module is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing containing electrical components, resiliently elastic tongues for locking, and actuating elements for release. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the housing can be narrow for space efficiency while the tongues and actuators provide reliable locking and release mechanisms that prevent accidental disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
Resiliently elastic tongues act as intermediary elements between the plug-in module and base part. These tongues mediate the connection by providing flexible yet secure engagement, absorbing mechanical stresses and preventing direct transmission of pulling forces that could cause accidental disconnection of adjacent modules.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional tools and protective covers are used for dismounting, then locking stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are designed to be self-operating - they can be manually actuated directly from the module surface to release the resiliently elastic tongues and disengage from the base part. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional tools or protective cover removal, allowing users to easily mount and dismount modules while maintaining stable locking during operation.
3Force
If high finger-pressure force is applied for pulling, then pulling force requirement is met, but mechanical loading on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently elastic tongues provide dynamic locking that adapts to applied forces. During normal operation, the tongues maintain secure engagement with the base part. When dismounting is required, the actuating elements enable controlled release of the tongues, distributing the force requirement over time and reducing peak mechanical loading on the electrical components and housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements change the mechanical state of the resiliently elastic tongues from a locked engagement position to a released position. This parameter change allows the system to transition from high-force locking mode to low-force disengaged mode, reducing the pulling force requirement and mechanical loading on components during normal operation while enabling easy dismounting when needed.
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 reduces the necessary pulling force, enhances the stability of the locking mechanism, and prevents accidental disconnections of adjacent modules, improving handling and reducing mechanical stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
the plug-in module (10) has, on opposite sides (S1, S2), a first resiliently elastic tongue (12) and a second resiliently elastic tongue (14), which can be engaged and disengaged from the base part (20) by applying an essentially lateral force
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a plug-in module (10) for a rail-mounted device (1), comprising a housing (G), which has a first axial end portion (10a) and a second axial end portion (10b); wherein, between the first axial end portion (10a) and the second axial end portion (10b), the housing (G) has a plurality of substantially planar side surfaces (S1, S2, B1, B2); also comprising a first resiliently elastic tongue (12), which is fitted on a first side surface (S1) of the housing (G); wherein the first resiliently elastic tongue (12) has a first axial end portion (12a), which is fitted on the housing (G), and a second axial end portion (12b), which can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner; wherein a first latching nose (12c) is formed between the first and second axial end portions (12a, 12b) and protrudes from the first side surface (S1) of the housing (G); and further comprising a first actuating element (16), which is mounted in a movable manner on the first side surface (S1) and can be moved from a first position (P1), in which it is arranged substantially within the housing (G), into a second position (P2), in which it is located partly outside the housing (G) and is arranged in abutment against the second axial end portion (12b); wherein, in the second position (P2), the first latching nose (12c) can be moved into the housing (G) by a user applying a substantially lateral force (F1).