Rail Socket With Multi-Locking Housing for Variable Width DIN Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal blocks designed for DIN rails cannot be securely held at any position on rails with different width dimensions, requiring alternative holding means for rails narrower than standard DIN rails.

Innovation Solution

A socket with a housing featuring multiple locking parts, including a first, second, and third locking part, which can lock the rail from different directions, ensuring secure attachment regardless of rail width, utilizing movable and spring-loaded contact parts for adaptable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal block uses a fixed hook and movable hook configuration for DIN rail mounting, then it can be held at any position on standard DIN rails, but it cannot be securely held on rails with different width dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different rail width dimensionsVSAvoidsecure holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking parts (first locking part, second locking part, and third locking part) that can independently engage with the rail. This segmentation allows each locking part to adapt to different rail width dimensions while maintaining secure holding capability through the combined action of multiple locking points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with multiple locking parts that can function with various rail types and width dimensions. The first locking part engages with one side of the rail, the second locking part engages with the other side, and the third locking part provides additional engagement, creating a universal mounting solution that works across different rail specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional locking parts are added to accommodate different rail widths, then adaptability to various rail dimensions improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different rail width dimensionsVSAvoidnumber of locking parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking parts are integrated into a single housing structure, where the first locking part, second locking part, and third locking part are combined within one unified component. This merging approach provides enhanced adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate parts, as all locking mechanisms are incorporated into a single integrated housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3540861B1socket
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 OMRON CORP
  • EP3540861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540861B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure provides a socket that can be held at any position on rails having different width dimensions. The socket includes a housing, which can be held on a rail that has a first side part and a second side part and extends in a first direction. The housing includes a first locking part disposed on one side of the rail in a second direction to be capable of locking the first side part in a third direction; a second locking part disposed on the other side of the rail in the second direction to be capable of locking the second side part in the third direction; and a third locking part disposed between the first locking part and the second locking part in the second direction to face the first locking part to be capable of locking the first side part of the rail in the third direction.