Sensor Module Mounting With Sliding Clamp for Tool-Free Carrier Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor module brackets for warehouse or transport systems are difficult to assemble and attach to carriers without tools, often resulting in play and limited flexibility for different carrier dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a clamping device featuring a linear slide-up sled system and guided grooves with rest teeth, allowing for tool-free attachment and flexible adaptation to various carrier dimensions, including a spring element for secure fixation and easy tilting for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-based fastening system is used to attach the bracket to the carrier, then the attachment can be secured, but the assembly becomes complex and requires tools for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism. The spring element automatically applies clamping force when the bracket is positioned on the carrier, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining secure attachment. This substitution transforms the fastening process from a manual, tool-dependent operation to an automatic, tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the bracket to the carrier without requiring external tools or complex assembly steps. The spring element self-generates the clamping force needed for secure attachment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operator intervention with tools.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-dimensional bracket design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different carrier dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable elements within the bracket design that allow it to adapt to different carrier dimensions. The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, enabling the bracket to accommodate variations in carrier size while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic design allows a single bracket model to serve multiple carrier configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with universal adaptability features that enable it to attach to carriers of various dimensions. The spring-loaded clamping mechanism and adjustable components allow the same bracket design to function across different carrier sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bracket variants.
3Ease of operation
If a tool-free attachment system is implemented, then installation ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into distinct functional components: a spring element for generating clamping force, a clamping arm for applying the force, and engagement features for attaching to the carrier. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex function into manageable, standardized parts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bracket design accommodates various carrier dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates adjustable parameters and tolerance ranges that allow it to accommodate variations in carrier dimensions. The spring-loaded mechanism provides built-in compliance that absorbs dimensional variations, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability to different carrier sizes.
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
Enables easy, tool-free assembly and secure attachment of sensor modules to carriers of varying dimensions, preventing tilting and ensuring a play-free fit, thus enhancing installation efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is arranged or trained on the sled, which presses the sled into the groove
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting (20) of a sensor module for use in a storage or transport system, for securing the sensor module to a support (3) of the storage or transport system. The mounting (20) has a clamping device (30) for clamping the mounting to the support (3), and the clamping device (30) comprises at least one slide (31) which is guided in a linearly movable manner and latches in a plurality of latch positions.