Recessed Mounting Rail Fastener for Flush, Rotation-Stable Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting rails often require fastening elements that protrude from the rail for securing objects, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and lack rotational stability.
Innovation Solution
A mounting rail design featuring elongated mounting openings with surrounding depressions and a fastening element with a head and abutment that can be fully recessed within the rail, allowing objects to be securely fastened to the outer surface while preventing rotation and displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening elements (hammer-head screws, square nuts) are used that protrude from the mounting rail, then the fastening function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and rotational stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is nested within the mounting rail structure. The head of the fastening element is positioned inside the mounting rail, with its abutment resting on the inner surface of the rail, completely recessing the fastening mechanism within the rail's profile to achieve a flush appearance while maintaining fastening functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element transitions from a protruding three-dimensional configuration to a recessed configuration by moving the head and abutment into the interior space of the mounting rail, effectively utilizing the rail's internal volume to hide the fastening mechanism while preserving its external dimensions
2Reliability
If traditional fastening elements protrude from the mounting rail, then fastening is achieved, but rotational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting opening is designed as an asymmetric elongated slot rather than a symmetric circular hole, and the fastening element's head and abutment are positioned asymmetrically within the rail structure. This asymmetric configuration prevents rotational movement of the fastened object while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated mounting opening is pre-formed in the mounting rail before the fastening element is installed. This preliminary structural feature guides and constrains the fastening element's position, preventing rotation during and after installation while ensuring proper alignment
3Shape
If the fastening element is fully recessed into the mounting rail, then aesthetic appearance improves, but the complexity of the mounting rail structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the outer shell providing the flush surface, the elongated mounting opening providing rotational constraint, and the depression providing structural support for the recessed fastening element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
4Reliability
If an elongated mounting opening with depression is created in the mounting rail, then rotational stability and flush appearance are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated mounting opening and depression are pre-formed into the mounting rail structure during manufacturing, before the fastening element is installed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process while ensuring the structural features necessary for rotational stability and flush appearance are already in place
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a rectangular tube-shaped mounting rail (1) having a hammer-head bolt as fastening element (6). The invention proposes that the mounting rail (1) be formed with beads as depressions (2) which extend in the longitudinal direction and in which there is sunk a perforated-disc-shaped abutment (11) which is placed on a screw shank (8) of the fastening element (6).