Rail Stopper With Multi-Fulcrum Foot Resists Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stoppers for electrical terminal blocks on support rails face challenges in maintaining position under mechanical stresses, particularly torsion, which current designs do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A stopper design featuring a metal fixing foot with multiple fulcrums on a support rail, including a blade for scoring one edge and converging edges on another, along with an insulating body with blocking means and a grip portion for tool insertion, provides enhanced resistance to translation and torsion by utilizing inclined sharp edges and torque-taking extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single fixing foot with multiple fulcrums is used, then resistance to torsion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing foot is segmented into multiple functional elements: a blade portion with first fulcrum, a body portion with second fulcrum, and a third fulcrum offset from the second. This segmentation allows each portion to independently engage with the rail edges, providing distributed resistance to torsional forces while maintaining structural integrity through the unified fixing foot design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane fixing mechanism to a multi-dimensional engagement system. The third fulcrum is positioned offset from the second fulcrum in the longitudinal direction of the rail, creating a three-dimensional fulcrum arrangement that resists torsion through spatial distribution of contact points rather than relying solely on linear alignment.
2Strength
If the blade penetrates deeper into the rail edge, then holding in translation is improved, but damage to the rail increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade geometry is optimized with specific angular parameters (alpha and beta angles) to control penetration depth and distribution. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the blade achieves sufficient holding force through controlled scoring rather than deep penetration, reducing rail damage while maintaining translation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed with varying local properties: a sharp leading edge for initial engagement and scoring, followed by a broader body for force distribution. This local quality variation allows the blade to cut into the rail edge for secure positioning while distributing subsequent loads to minimize further damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If blocking means are added to limit blade penetration, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Blocking means are pre-positioned within the insulating body at predetermined locations that correspond to optimal blade penetration depths. These blocking features (such as ribs or protrusions) are integrated into the insulating body structure during manufacturing, providing automatic penetration limits without requiring additional adjustable components or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The abutment (1) has an insulating body (40) and a mounting foot for fixing the abutment on a support rail (2). The mounting foot is housed in the insulating body. The mounting foot comprises a metal body having a first support tip supported on an edge of the rail and a second support tip supported on another edge (2a) of the rail. The mounting foot includes a third support tip supported on the latter edge of the rail. The third support tip is shifted with respect to the second support tip in longitudinal direction of the rail. The mounting foot is made of a single piece.