Rail Component Holder With Adjustable Hooks for Varying Rail Depths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component holders for electromechanical components on metal rails are not easily adaptable to different rail depths and require multiple versions for varying rail designs, complicating installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A component holder with an L-shaped retaining element featuring adjustable hook elements and locking pins that can be broken off for fitting various rail depths, allowing tool-free attachment and adaptation to different metal rail profiles without needing multiple holder types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple component holder versions are used for different rail depths, then attachment compatibility is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment compatibilityVSAvoidinventory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The component holder is divided into a base body and detachable hook elements that can be selectively removed. The base body contains multiple hook elements at different positions, allowing users to configure the holder for specific rail depths by keeping or removing particular hooks, thereby eliminating the need for multiple complete holder versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The component holder transitions from a static, fixed-configuration design to a dynamic, reconfigurable design. Hook elements can be added or removed based on the specific rail depth requirements, enabling the same base holder to adapt to varying installation conditions without requiring multiple static versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple component holder versions are used for different rail depths, then attachment compatibility is improved, but installation time and maintenance complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hook elements are pre-positioned on the base body at different locations during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration allows installers to quickly select the appropriate hook arrangement for the given rail depth without requiring complex assembly procedures or multiple separate holder components, thereby reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If hook elements are made removable for different rail depths, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail depth adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook elements are designed as separate, detachable components from the base body, allowing selective removal without compromising the structural integrity of the remaining holder assembly. Each hook is engineered to provide sufficient clamping force when attached, ensuring reliable fixation to the rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the component holder have different properties: the base body maintains permanent, robust structural features for overall stability, while the hook elements are designed for selective attachment/detachment. This local differentiation allows adaptability at the hook level without affecting the structural integrity of the base holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4135139B1Component holder for electromechanical components
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ABN
  • EP4135139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4135139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4135139B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a component holder (10) for attaching electromechanical components to a metal rail. The component holder (10) has at least one fastening unit (12) for an electromechanical component and at least one retaining element (24) by means of which the component holder (10) can be fixed to the metal rail. According to the invention, the retaining element (24) is approximately L-shaped and has a first leg (26) and a second leg (28). At least one hook element (30, 32) is provided on the first leg (26), so that a metal rail can be clamped between the hook element (30, 32) and the second leg (28).