Sliding Clamping Element for Cable Duct Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing device installation boxes and other electrical installation devices on cable routing ducts are cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly with front-locking installations, as they require complex positioning and fixing processes that complicate assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a separate clamping element that is slidably integrated into the holding frame, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without screws, utilizing snapping or clamping elements to create a friction lock with the duct's shape-retaining profiles, enabling quick and efficient assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screw-fixing methods are used to secure device installation boxes on cable routing ducts, then the fixation is secure and stable, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is divided into separate functional components: a holding frame that attaches to the duct, a device installation box, and a separate clamping element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quick assembly by simply connecting the components together without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is designed to be displaceable between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the holding frame can be freely positioned on the duct. When displaced to the clamping position, it engages the shape-retaining profiles to create a friction lock, providing secure fixation. This dynamic mechanism enables both easy positioning and reliable fixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If front-locking installation methods are used, then the device installation box can be secured to the duct, but the positioning and subsequent fixing becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame is pre-equipped with clamping elements that are initially in a release position, allowing the frame to be freely moved and positioned on the duct. Once positioned, the clamping elements are displaced to engage the shape-retaining profiles, performing the fixation action after positioning rather than requiring positioning through a complex locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element acts as an intermediary between the holding frame and the duct's shape-retaining profiles. It provides a simple displacement action that transforms the holding frame from a movable state to a securely fixed state, mediating between the ease of positioning and the security of attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If complex assembly procedures are used to secure electrical installation devices, then the fixation is secure, but the disassembly and repositioning becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element is designed with a displaceable mechanism that can easily transition between clamping and release positions. To disassemble, the clamping element is simply displaced from the clamping position to the release position, releasing the friction lock and allowing the holding frame to be removed from the duct. This dynamic design provides both secure fixation and easy disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction lock mechanism inherently provides both fixation and release capabilities through the same clamping element. The same displacement action that creates secure attachment can be reversed to enable easy removal, making the system self-servicing without requiring different mechanisms for assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If multiple assembly materials and tools are required for securing devices, then the fixation can be secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires more resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidassembly system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element utilizes the elastic properties of the holding frame material itself to create the friction lock, rather than requiring separate fasteners, adhesives, or other assembly materials. The system uses the inherent mechanical properties of the components to achieve secure fixation, eliminating the need for additional assembly materials and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly of electrical installation devices by allowing them to be moved along the duct during positioning and securely fixed with minimal effort, reducing the need for tools and assembly materials, and facilitating easy repositioning or removal.

Implementation Method 1

whereby the clamping element causes an inner strip with clamping lugs formed thereon to be pressed inwards elastically against the shape-retaining profiles of the duct base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

produce a friction lock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2367249B1Device for preventing a device mounting plate or other electro-installation device on a cable guidance channel from moving
Publication Date: 2013.11.20 TEHALIT
  • EP2367249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2367249B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2367249B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a holding frame (10) defining a central opening, and a clamping element (20) inserted into a frame element (12) and comprising a base body (23). The clamping element is inserted into the frame element, such that the clamping element is movable from a mounting position to a locking position along a guide (19) i.e. rail. A flange (28) lies on the frame in the mounting position, and the clamping element presses an inner bar of the frame against a form-holding profile i.e. cover holding profile, of a channel lower part for producing a frictional connection in the locking position.