Rail Sensor Mount Claw Jaw Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching sensors and switching means to rails face challenges with different rail foot widths, as they require complex adjustments and are prone to position changes under high inertia forces from vibrations and shocks, leading to unreliable mounting and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
The carrier-side claw jaw is independently adjustable and lockable using interlocking grooves or sawtooth-like profiles, allowing for precise adjustments in the millimeter range and securing the carrier across varying rail foot widths, with a clamping screw mechanism that eliminates the need for additional nuts and enhances stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional fixed insert plates are provided to adjust the distance of the carrier from the attack area, then the distance adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires storage of multiple insert plates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier-side claw jaw is made independently adjustable relative to the carrier through a slot-guided adjusting screw mechanism, allowing dynamic repositioning. The adjusting screw can be positioned at different locations along the slot to achieve different distance settings, eliminating the need for multiple fixed insert plates while maintaining adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting screw serves multiple functions: it adjusts the distance of the carrier from the attack area, secures the carrier-side claw jaw to the carrier at the desired position, and allows repositioning along the slot. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and multiple insert plates.
2Manufacturing precision
If nuts are placed on adjusting screws to determine distance, then distance adjustment is possible, but the arrangement becomes cumbersome and heavy loads cause loosening and position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting screw automatically secures itself to the carrier at the desired position through the slot mechanism. When the adjusting screw is tightened against the carrier, it self-locks in position without requiring additional nuts or fastening elements that could loosen under vibration and shock loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is divided into two independent functions: the adjusting screw controls the distance adjustment, while the carrier-side claw jaw's interlocking profile with the carrier provides mechanical securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If simple clamping connections are used, then the device is easy to operate, but high inertia forces cause unwanted position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier-side claw jaw and carrier are provided with asymmetric interlocking profiles (such as triangular, trapezoidal, sawtooth-like, or grooved profiles) that engage with each other. This asymmetric interlocking prevents the carrier-side claw jaw from moving relative to the carrier under high inertia forces, while still allowing for straightforward adjustment and securing operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In the case of an apparatus for attachment of a mount (16) for sensors, switching means and the like to rails (1) comprising a rail claw with claw jaws (3, 4) which can be fitted onto the rail foot from opposite sides, one of which (4) is provided on the mount side and the other (3) can be adjusted relative to it by means of at least one adjusting screw (2) which can be passed through under the rail foot, and devices (5, 7, 10, 11, 12) are provided for adjustment of the distance between the mount (16) and the area where the mount-side claw jaw (4, 6) acts on the rail foot, in order to preset the rail claw for different rail foot widths, at least the claw part (6) on the mount-side claw jaw (4) is connected to the mount (16) itself or to a holding piece (5) seated on it, such that it can be adjusted and fixed in its own right independently of the adjusting screw, and this mount-side claw jaw (4), to be precise its claw part (6), is secured in each preset position integrally by means of for example grooves, which engage in one another, or profiles (11, 12), which have a sawtooth-like cross section, on opposite sides of the claw jaw (6) and of the mount or of the holding piece (5).