Snap-in Fastening System with Flexible Catch and Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for plates within enclosures for electric installations lack sufficient support and have complex structures, making them difficult to manufacture and install.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a flexible catch that yields perpendicular to the holder's longitudinal direction, combined with locking elements that keep the support member locked inflexibly, allowing for secure plate support and tool-free installation, using a tenon and mortise joint for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible protrusions are used for snap-in fastening, then tool-free installation is achieved, but sufficient support for the plate is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: flexible catches for snap-in fastening (providing ease of installation) and locking elements with tenon-mortise joints for rigid support (providing reliability). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate fastening mechanisms into a single integrated system: the flexible catch mechanism for initial attachment and the locking element mechanism for final secure locking. This merging creates a unified fastening system that delivers both ease of operation and reliable support.
2Reliability
If complex structure is used to provide sufficient support, then plate support is improved, but manufacturing and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the fastening function. Locking elements with tenon-mortise joints provide rigid support and structural stability, while flexible catches handle the fastening operation. This segmentation allows simple manufacturing of each component while achieving complex overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the flexible catch and the plate. It receives the flexible catch's snap-in action and translates it into rigid support through the tenon-mortise joint mechanism, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while ensuring reliable support.
3Ease of operation
If flexible component yields in longitudinal direction for snap-in locking, then locking is achieved, but support stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible component is designed with local quality differentiation: it is flexible in the transverse direction (perpendicular to holder axis) to enable snap-in locking, but rigid in the longitudinal direction (along holder axis) to maintain support stability. This directional differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexibility of the snap-in component is redirected from the longitudinal dimension to the transverse dimension. The flexible catch yields perpendicular to the holder's longitudinal direction during locking, while the locking element maintains longitudinal rigidity through the tenon-mortise joint, effectively moving the flexibility to another dimension where it is beneficial.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple structure is used for easy manufacturing, then manufacturing is simplified, but adequate support in all applications is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element with tenon-mortise joint serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rigid longitudinal support, prevents twisting of the support member, and works with the flexible catch across various application scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a relatively simple structure to achieve reliable support in all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system combines materials and structures with different properties: flexible material for the catch (enabling elastic deformation for snap-in) and rigid material for the locking element (providing stable support). This composite approach allows simple manufacturing of each component while achieving comprehensive reliability across all applications.
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 system provides firm support for plates during installation and removal, while enabling rapid and tool-free attachment of the support member to the holder, simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible component comprises a flexible catch, which, during the placement of the snap-in fastening means into the locking position, is arranged to yield in a direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the holder
Implementation Method 2
the locking means comprise at least one locking element arranged to keep the support member locked in the longitudinal direction of the holder substantially inflexibly
Implementation Method 3
The locking element, which is arranged to keep the support member locked in the holder, is preferably composed of a protrusion provided in the support member and arranged to lock into a recess in the holder for achieving a tenon and mortise type of joint
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system for fastening a plate within an enclosure for electric installations includes an elongated holder and a support member arranged to be fastened to the holder with a snap-in fastening device. The snap-in fastening device is arranged to fasten the support member detachably to the holder in a direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the holder and includes a locking device for fastening the support member to the holder at different points along the holder. The snap-in fastening device includes a flexible catch configured to yield in a direction perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the holder, in order to provide adequate support to a plate to be installed within the enclosure. The locking device includes at least one locking element arranged to keep the support member locked in the longitudinal direction of the holder substantially inflexibly.