Rail Fastening Device with Stop Elements for Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for C-shaped mounting rails require adaptation to specific rail geometries, leading to potential overtwisting and suboptimal orientation, which can result in inadequate clamping.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a rear-engagement member, tensioning device, contact plate, spring element, and stop elements that ensure precise orientation and rotation limitation, allowing the device to be independent of manufacturing tolerances and facilitating correct engagement with the rail rims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fastening device is adapted to a special geometry of the mounting rail, then the clamping precision is improved, but the adaptability to different rail geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the rear-engagement member geometry-independent through the introduction of stop elements that define orientation through mechanical limiting rather than geometric fitting. The stop elements change the parameter of orientation control from geometry-dependent to mechanism-dependent, allowing the same fastening device to work with different rail geometries while maintaining precise clamping through the spring element's preloading force and the stop elements' rotational limitation.
2Ease of operation
If the rear-engagement member is allowed to rotate freely, then the ease of installation is improved, but the orientation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the correct orientation of the rear-engagement member through stop elements before the actual clamping action occurs. The stop elements are positioned in advance to limit rotation to the correct angle, and the spring element is preloaded to provide the necessary force to achieve proper engagement. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the fastening device is installed, the rear-engagement member automatically orients itself correctly without requiring precise manual alignment, thus maintaining both ease of installation and orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop elements act as intermediaries between the rear-engagement member and the mounting rail, mediating the orientation relationship. Instead of relying on direct geometric fitting between the rear-engagement member and rail, the stop elements serve as a mediating mechanism that translates free rotation into precise orientation by providing mechanical stopping points. This intermediary mechanism allows easy installation while ensuring precise orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding device is released to allow movement, then the adaptability to rail tolerances is improved, but the risk of overtwisting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing stop elements that preemptively prevent overtwisting before it can occur. The stop elements are positioned to limit the rotation of the rear-engagement member to the correct angle, creating a preliminary counter-action to the spring element's rotational force. When the holding device is released, the rear-engagement member can move to adapt to rail tolerances, but the stop elements ensure that the movement is limited to the correct orientation, preventing overtwisting.
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
The solution provides a flexible fastening device that ensures precise orientation and secure clamping, independent of rail geometry variations, preventing overtwisting and ensuring optimal engagement with the rail, thus enhancing the device's adaptability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element configured between the contact plate and the rear-engagement member for preloading the rear-engagement member circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tensioning device
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device (21) for mounting on a mounting rail (11) having a rear-engagement member (22) which is configured to be introduced into the mounting opening (15) and to engage behind the rims (14) of the mounting opening (15) of the mounting rail (11); including a tensioning device (32) which cooperates with the rear-engagement member (22) and has a longitudinal axis, for clamping the fastening device (21) to the mounting rail (11); including a contact plate (42) for resting on the outside of the mounting rail (11) that has a feed-through opening for a part of the tensioning device (32); and a spring element (52) configured between the contact plate (42) and the rear-engagement member (22) for preloading the rear-engagement member (22) circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis (34) of the tensioning device (32); including a holding device (62) between the rear-engagement member (22) and the contact plate (42) for holding the rear-engagement member (22) in the preloaded position; upon release of the holding device (62), the rear-engagement member (22) being movable by the spring element (52) from the insertion position to a rear-engagement position where it engages behind the rims (14) of the mounting opening (15). One stop element (47) having a stop face for limiting the capacity of the rear-engagement member (22) for twisting rotation is provided on the contact plate (42).