Tool-Free Rail Support With Snap-Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail supports for modular electrical equipment require tool-assisted installation and are prone to deformation under mechanical stress, making them inconvenient and unreliable during wiring operations.
Innovation Solution
A rail support design that automatically fixes to a metal upright without tools, utilizing anti-tearing and snap-locking mechanisms to ensure secure attachment and resistance to deformation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rail supports are used with screw fixation, then the rail support can be securely fixed to the metal upright, but the installation requires tool intervention and increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The rail support is designed with automatic engagement features including a groove that slides onto the metal upright and automatically locks into position without requiring screws or tools. The support serves itself by incorporating built-in locking mechanisms that engage passively when the groove is aligned with the upright, eliminating the need for external fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-and-drill mechanical system is replaced with a slide-and-lock mechanism. The groove structure allows the rail support to be installed by simple linear motion along the metal upright, substituting complex rotational fastening operations with a simpler linear engagement process that requires no tools.
2Reliability
If traditional rail supports are used with screw fixation, then the rail support can be securely fixed to the metal upright, but the structure is prone to deformation under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is divided into two independent segments: the groove structure that provides positioning and alignment, and the locking mechanism that provides secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the groove handling lateral positioning and the lock handling vertical securing, thereby distributing mechanical stresses more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system transitions from a single-dimensional screw insertion approach to a two-dimensional engagement system where the groove provides lateral constraint and the locking mechanism provides vertical constraint. This multi-dimensional approach creates a more robust fixation that resists deformation from multiple directions simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the rail support uses integrated fixing means, then the structure becomes more complex, but the installation becomes tool-free
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning groove and locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated rail support structure rather than being separate components. The groove is formed as an inherent feature of the support body, and the locking elements are built into the same structure, combining multiple functions into one unified component that simplifies the overall system while maintaining tool-free installation.
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 solution enables tool-free installation and secure fixation of rail supports, resisting tearing and vertical forces, ensuring the rail support remains fixed during wiring operations and allowing for rigid assembly of metal uprights and rails without deformation risks.
Implementation Method 1
the groove (20) forms a slide (10) which is arranged to be attached in an engagement position to one of the metal uprights (100) in order to slide there
Implementation Method 2
anti-tearing means (40) arranged to engage under a complementary stop (111) of the metal upright (100) in favour of a sliding of the groove (20) on the metal upright (100)
Implementation Method 3
locking means (50) of the groove (20) on the metal upright (100), said locking means (50) lock automatically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The support has a fixing unit for fixing a groove on a metal post (100) in a blocking position, where the fixing unit comprises an anti-dismantling unit arranged to engage below a complementary stop (111) of the metal post to ensure sliding of the groove on the metal post from an engagement position until the blocking position. An automatic locking unit locks the groove on the metal post in the blocking position. The groove is delimited by a base and two side walls. The anti-dismantling unit is provided with a stop surface.