Sign Frame Integrated Fastening for Mounting Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sign frames for telecommunications and data technology are prone to being lost during shunting work on terminal strips due to their detachable nature, which complicates the process and increases the risk of misplacement.

Innovation Solution

A sign frame with integrated fastening means that allows direct attachment to a mounting frame, eliminating the need for placement on connection strips, featuring concave curvatures for round rods and resilient webs with latching means for mounting troughs, ensuring secure attachment without obstructing other components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sign frame is detachably arranged on the connection strip, then it can be easily installed and removed, but it risks being lost during shunting work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidretention reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sign frame is merged with the mounting frame by integrating fastening means directly into the sign frame structure. This combines two previously separate components (sign frame and mounting frame) into a unified assembly, eliminating the risk of the sign frame being lost while maintaining ease of installation through the integrated fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If the sign frame is attached to the connection strip, then it can be positioned accurately, but it obstructs shunting work on the connection strip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidwork accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sign frame is extracted from the connection strip and repositioned to mount directly on the mounting frame. This separates the sign frame from the connection strip, eliminating obstruction to shunting work while maintaining positioning precision through the dedicated mounting frame attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sign frame has fastening means for multiple mounting frame types, then it increases versatility, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting compatibilityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sign frame incorporates multiple types of fastening means (first fastening means for round rods, second fastening means for mounting troughs) into a single device. This universal design allows the same sign frame to function with different mounting frame types, achieving versatility without requiring multiple separate sign frame designs.

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

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 reduces the risk of losing the sign frame during shunting operations and allows for unobstructed work on connection strips, providing a secure and versatile attachment method that matches the geometric dimensions of terminal strips, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening means for accommodating the sign frame on a mounting trough has a resilient web with a latching means which snaps into an opening in the lug of the mounting trough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When the sign frame is snapped onto the round rods, the web is both bent and kinked in order to apply the holding forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3063948B1Plate-holder frame
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3063948B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3063948B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3063948B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The frame (1) has a fastening unit (10) for retaining the frame on a mounting support e.g. mounting pan and round rod, for connection strips. The fastening unit includes a concave bulge (11) for receiving the frame on the round rod. The concave bulge is arranged at a lower side (3) of the frame. A bar (12) is arranged at a concave bulge end that is opposite to the lower side. The bar runs parallel to the lower side. A connection (13) is arranged at a bar end that is opposite to the bulge, and connected with the lower side. The frame is designed as a one-piece plastic part. An independent claim is also included for a distributer connection module.