Rail fixing system with system coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fixing systems for profile rails often experience jamming issues and inadequate retention forces, particularly when multiple systems are coupled, leading to unreliable fixation and potential uncontrolled displacement or falling off the rail.
Innovation Solution
A rail fixing system with a rotatable cam actuation device that aligns the first and second positive-locking connection elements along the resilient element's force path, enabling stable and compact fixation and coupling, and allowing for higher retention forces without increasing structural space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common actuation device is used for both rail fixing arrangement and system coupling arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming issues and insufficient retention forces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device is segmented into functionally independent components: a first positive-locking connection element for rail fixing and a second positive-locking connection element for system coupling. These elements can be actuated independently or simultaneously, eliminating the jamming problem of unified actuation while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation device incorporates resilient elements (springs) that provide dynamic force application to the positive-locking connection elements. This ensures sufficient retention forces for both rail fixing and system coupling functions, resolving the insufficiency of fixed-force mechanisms.
2Reliability
If retention forces are increased for system coupling, then reliability of coupling improves, but device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device merges the functions of rail fixing and system coupling into a single integrated mechanism. The first and second positive-locking connection elements share common actuation components including resilient elements and actuation elements, reducing overall structural complexity while providing sufficient retention forces for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single actuation mechanism serves both the rail fixing arrangement and the system coupling arrangement. This universal design eliminates the need for separate actuation systems, reducing complexity while maintaining adequate retention forces through proper force distribution.
3Volume of moving object
If first and second positive-locking connection elements are arranged along the resilient element's force path, then device compactness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positive-locking connection elements are segmented and positioned at different locations along the force path of the resilient element. This segmentation allows each element to be independently positioned and actuated, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a fully integrated single-point mechanism, while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 system ensures reliable, non-releasable fixation and stable retention of rail fixing systems on profile rails with enhanced retention forces, preventing uncontrolled displacement and providing a fail-safe mechanism for adjacent systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation device is supported on at least one resilient element
Implementation Method 2
The actuation device has at least one rotatable cam and in that the position of the first positive-locking connection element and second positive-locking connection element is dependent on a rotational position of the at least one cam
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a rail fixing system (57) for devices which can be fixed to a profile rail (59), in particular a top hat rail (61), having a rail fixing arrangement (12) for fixing the rail fixing system (57) to the profile rail (59), wherein the rail fixing arrangement (12) has a first movable positive-locking connection element (7), having a system coupling arrangement (14) for fixing to each other rail fixing systems (57, 57a, 57b) which are arranged on the profile rail (59) beside each other, wherein the system coupling arrangement (14) has a second movable positive-locking connection element (11). The invention further relates to a set (121) comprising at least two of the above rail fixing systems (57). Rail fixing systems (57) of the prior art have the disadvantage that the common actuation device (1) can become jammed or retention forces which are sufficiently great for the system coupling are not ensured. In order to overcome these disadvantages, the actuation device is supported on at least one resilient element, wherein the first positive-locking connection element and the second positive-locking connection element and the resilient element (47) are arranged along a straight line (G) which extends in the effective direction (W) of the resilient element (47).