Tool-Free Mounting Assembly With Snap-Fit Container Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for tools and accessories in workshops lack a tool-free, quick assembly method with high assembly safety, particularly for organizing objects of different sizes and functions.

Innovation Solution

A holder arrangement with a base insert that features a container interface and positive-locking contours, allowing for easy attachment and secure retention of receiving containers through a combination of insertion and tilting motions, utilizing snap-fit and elastic locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mounting systems use tools and multiple steps for assembly, then assembly safety is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly safetyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting structure with receiving holes, a holder with mounting elements, and a receiving container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while enabling quick assembly through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder arrangement is designed to be self-mounting without requiring external tools. The positive-locking contours and snap-fit mechanisms automatically secure the holder to the mounting structure and the receiving container to the holder through simple insertion and tilting motions, making the assembly process tool-free and rapid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If quick assembly mechanisms are used, then assembly time is reduced, but assembly safety and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidassembly safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting elements and positive-locking contours are pre-configured in specific geometries during manufacturing. The receiving holes, mounting elements, and locking contours are precisely formed beforehand to ensure proper engagement, eliminating the need for adjustment during assembly while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex fastening mechanisms that require tool operation, the design inverts the approach by using simple insertion motions that trigger automatic locking through the positive-locking contours and snap-fit mechanisms. The assembly action is simplified while the locking function is enhanced through geometric interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the holder, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated geometric features. The positive-locking contours combine positioning, guiding, and locking functions in a single continuous feature. The mounting elements integrate the insertion guide, engagement surface, and locking mechanism into unified structures, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting elements and positive-locking contours are designed as universal features that can secure the holder firmly while also providing guidance during assembly and preventing accidental disassembly. These multi-functional geometric features replace multiple specialized fastening elements, simplifying the overall structure.

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

4Ease of operation

If simple insertion mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but assembly safety and secure retention are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process utilizes motion in multiple dimensions: linear insertion along the mounting direction, followed by tilting motion to engage the positive-locking contours. This multi-dimensional approach allows simple hand operations to achieve secure locking that would otherwise require complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric parameters of the positive-locking contours and snap-fit mechanisms are optimized to engage automatically during the tilting motion. The contours are designed with specific angles and dimensions that transform the simple tilting action into a secure locking engagement, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 quick, tool-free assembly and secure attachment of receiving containers to mounting structures, ensuring easy installation and preventing accidental disassembly while maintaining stability and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a snap-fit contour (14), which is elastically deflectable relative to the base body section (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3991921B1Mounting assembly for mounting structure and ordering system using the mounting assembly
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BOEHLER & CO AG
  • EP3991921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3991921B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3991921B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In workshops, perforated panels are very often used to hang tools so that they are easily accessible. The object of the invention is to propose a holder arrangement for a mounting structure that offers an alternative to known holders. For this purpose, a holder arrangement 2 for a mounting structure 3 is provided, wherein the mounting structure 3 defines a mounting plane ME, with at least one receiving container 6 for receiving objects, wherein the receiving container 6 has at least one wall section 7a, b, c, d bounding the receiving container 6, with at least one base insert 5, wherein the base insert 5 has a rigid base body section 10, wherein the base body section 10 has a bearing surface 19 on its rear side for supporting the base insert 5 on the mounting structure 3 in a mounting direction M which is perpendicular to the mounting plane M.The following is proposed, wherein the base insert 5 has a mounting interface 17 for attaching the base insert 5 to the mounting structure 3 in a longitudinal direction L which is aligned with the mounting plane ME, wherein the rigid base body section 10 has a container interface 12 on its front side for attaching the receiving container 6 to the base insert 5, wherein the at least one wall section 7a forms a complementary counter-interface to the container interface 12.