Profile Rail Connector Preassembly Fixing for Fast Add-On Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for profile rails and attachments require significant assembly time, are costly, and lack flexibility, especially in accessing complex or poorly accessible locations.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a fixing element that allows temporary attachment to the attachment in a pre-assembly position, featuring a snap mechanism and a support element to limit the connector's path through the attachment's through-opening, enabling quick, reliable, and cost-effective assembly with enhanced versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate loose connectors are used for connecting add-on parts to profile rails, then flexibility and repositioning capability are improved, but assembly time increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connector with a fixing element that has an annular frame, creating an integrated assembly that combines the advantages of separate connectors (flexibility) with the advantages of integrated connectors (quick assembly). The fixing element with annular frame integrates multiple functions into a single component that can be easily attached and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is provided with a fixing element that allows preliminary attachment to the add-on part before final connection to the profile rail. This preliminary action enables the connector to be pre-positioned and secured to the add-on part, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing on-site assembly time.
2Productivity
If integrated connectors are used, then assembly speed is improved, but flexibility and repositioning capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection system into two parts: a connector that can be integrated with the add-on part, and a separate profile rail connection. This segmentation allows the connector to be pre-assembled with the add-on part (improving assembly speed) while still allowing repositioning by detaching and reattaching to different locations on the profile rail (maintaining flexibility).
3Reliability
If complex fixing mechanisms are used to secure connectors in poorly accessible locations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element with annular frame is designed to be self-fixing through simple attachment mechanisms that do not require complex tools or procedures. The annular frame structure provides inherent stability and holding force while maintaining simplicity in design and operation, making it suitable for poorly accessible locations where complex mechanisms would be difficult to install.
4Reliability
If multiple separate fixing elements are provided for each connector, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple fixing functions into a single integrated fixing element with an annular frame. This single component provides all necessary fixing and securing capabilities that would otherwise require multiple separate elements, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving reliability through the integrated design.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (2) for connecting an add-on part (5) having a through opening to a profile rail (6) having a rail slot, with a rear-engaging element (27) for anchoring the connector on the rail slot of the profile rail, and with a supporting element (20) connected to the rear-engaging element for resting on the add-on part in the environment of the through opening in order to limit travel of the connector through the through opening. According to the invention, it is provided that the connector has at least one fixing element (4) by means of which the connector can be fixed on the add-on part in a preassembly position in which the connector penetrates the through opening of the add-on part. The invention furthermore relates to a fastening arrangement which has such a connector.