RFID Transponder Mounting Rail Assembly System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for equipping mounting rails with components like terminal blocks, electrical devices, and end brackets for switch cabinets are inefficient, leading to errors in installation due to the need for manual, order-specific assembly and labeling, which can result in incorrect assignment and placement of pre-assembled rails.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a base cell with a storage unit and a writing device to wirelessly transmit order-specific data to an RFID transponder integrated into the mounting rail, allowing for easy identification and correct installation of components in switch cabinets, eliminating the need for manual documentation and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual, order-specific assembly and labeling of mounting rails is performed, then customization and correct component placement are achieved, but time consumption and error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect component placementVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically assembling components on mounting rails according to stored order data before installation, and by pre-writing identification data to RFID transponders. This eliminates the need for manual, time-consuming assembly and labeling operations at the installation site, while ensuring correct component placement through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly and labeling operations with an automated system that uses RFID technology and automated assembly mechanisms. The writing device automatically writes identification data to RFID transponders, and automated assembly equipment places components on mounting rails, substituting human labor with automated mechanical and electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If pre-assembled mounting rails are equipped individually to order, then correct installation in specific cabinets is enabled, but complexity of processing and documentation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates information copies by writing order-specific identification data to RFID transponders attached to each mounting rail. This digital copy of the order information replaces complex physical documentation, enabling simple wireless reading and verification at the installation site without requiring manual handling of paperwork or complex tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID transponder serves multiple functions: it stores order-specific identification data, enables wireless communication for data retrieval, and provides a universal identification mechanism that works across all mounting rails regardless of their specific component configurations. This universal approach simplifies processing compared to individualized documentation systems.

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

3Reliability

If wireless data transmission to RFID transponders is implemented, then contactless reading and error reduction are achieved, but additional equipment and system complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID transponder acts as an intermediary device that stores order-specific identification data and enables wireless communication between the assembly system and the mounting rail. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct physical contact or complex wired connections, while maintaining data accuracy through reliable wireless data transmission and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This system simplifies the processing and installation of pre-assembled mounting rails by enabling wireless, contactless reading of order-specific data, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency through automated data retrieval and correct placement of components.

Implementation Method 1

a storage unit (20) arranged on the fully assembled mounting rail (1) with an integrated wireless communication interface (20) for storage, in particular in the form of an RFID transponder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3127200B1System and method for fitting components on carrier rails in an order-specific manner, and carrier rail assembly using the system
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3127200B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3127200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3127200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for fitting components, in particular terminal strips, electrical devices or end holders which are intended to be subsequently installed in switchgear cabinets, on carrier rails in an order-specific manner. In this case, the system has at least one base cell, wherein the base cell has at least one storage unit for storing the components which are to be fitted and has at least one storage unit for storing carrier rails, wherein the components are fitted on the carrier rails in the base cell, wherein the base cell has a write device which is designed to transmit data in a wireless manner in each case to a memory unit which is arranged on the carrier rail that is fitted with components and which has an integrated wireless communication interface for storage purposes, wherein the data contains order-specific information.