Shield Clamp Rail Connector with Movable Latching Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for shield clamps to rail elements are complex, difficult to manufacture, and handle, and lack durability, especially in aggressive environments, which hinders reliable grounding of shielding conductors over the lifetime of electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with two latching elements that can move relative to each other, featuring latching legs and guide devices, allowing for a simple snap-in attachment and release mechanism, manufactured as a one-piece component from stamped bent sheet metal, ensuring easy assembly and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connecting devices are used to attach shield clamps to rail elements, then the connection can be established, but the device structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate latching elements (first latching element and second latching element) that can be moved relative to each other. Each latching element has its own latching leg that independently engages with the rail element, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable connection through distributed contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are designed to be movable relative to each other along a defined direction of movement, allowing the connecting device to dynamically adapt to the rail element during attachment and detachment. This dynamic design simplifies the connection process while ensuring reliable engagement
2Reliability
If existing connecting devices are used, then connection can be made, but the device is difficult to handle and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The movable latching elements allow the connecting device to be easily attached to and detached from the rail element by simply moving the latching elements along the defined direction of movement, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining stable connection when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are designed to automatically engage with the rail element when moved into the correct position, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment or additional fastening operations, thus simplifying assembly and handling
3Ease of manufacture
If existing connecting devices are used, then attachment can be achieved, but durability is insufficient especially in aggressive environments
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the connecting device into separate latching elements with multiple latching legs, the contact between the connecting device and rail element is distributed across multiple points. This segmentation increases durability by reducing stress concentration and improving resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear in aggressive environments
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is manufactured from stamped bent sheet metal, creating a composite structure that combines the advantages of metal strength with formed geometric features. This construction method ensures durability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard metal forming processes
4Ease of operation
If latching elements are made movable, then ease of attachment and release is improved, but risk of excessive deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed to move along a clearly defined direction of movement, which provides a controlled degree of freedom. This dynamic design enables easy attachment and release while the defined movement path prevents excessive deflection by constraining the motion to a specific trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the latching elements and their movement path are specifically designed to balance mobility and stability. The defined direction of movement and associated geometric constraints ensure that the latching elements can move freely enough for easy operation while maintaining structural stability and preventing excessive deflection
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 device provides a durable, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-handle solution for attaching shield clamps to various rail types, ensuring reliable electrical contact and grounding of shielding conductors, with a defined movement path to prevent excessive deflection and ensure secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The first latching element and the second latching element can be moved relative to one another along a direction of movement in order to positively connect the connecting device to the rail element via the latching elements or to loosen the rail element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connecting device (1) for connecting a shield clamp (2) to a rail element (3) can be attached to the rail element (3) in an insertion direction (E). The connecting device comprises a first locking element (10) with a first locking leg (100) and a second locking element (11) with a second locking leg (110). The first locking element (10) and the second locking element (11) extend parallel to each other at least partially along a direction of movement (B) and are connected to each other such that the first locking element (10) and the second locking element (11) are movable relative to each other along the direction of movement (B) in order to connect the connecting device (1) to the rail element (3) or to detach it from the rail element (3) via the locking elements (10, 11).