Snap-In Module Mounting Frame for Tolerance-Compensating Wall Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mechanically fastening user interface modules to equipment require high workloads for adaptation and tooling, with screw connections needing multiple tools and adhesive bonding being time-consuming and difficult to reverse without damage, while snap-in connections demand precise tolerances, making them inefficient for medium and small quantities.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a module carrier with snap-in elements and a latching frame supported by spring elements, allowing for snap-together assembly that compensates for tolerances and enables easy disassembly without special tools, using identical parts for various equipment and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screw connections are used to fasten the module, then the connection is releasable and adjustable, but multiple tools must be held available during production and servicing, and installation space is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the module itself and places it on a separate mounting plate. The mounting plate contains recesses that receive the module and protrusions that engage with the housing, separating the fastening mechanism from the module being fastened. This allows the module to be fastened without requiring screwdrivers or other tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the module and the housing. It provides the fastening interface through its protrusions and recesses, eliminating the need for direct screw connections between the module and housing while maintaining releasable and adjustable connectivity.
2Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to secure the module, then the connection is strong and permanent, but the bonding process takes several hours and removal causes damage requiring part replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into a module, a mounting plate with recesses, and a housing with mounting openings. This segmentation allows for mechanical interlocking through protrusions and recesses, providing strong connectivity without the time-consuming adhesive bonding process and enabling easy removal and replacement.
3Productivity
If snap-in connection is used to fasten the module directly to the piece of equipment, then assembly is simplified, but precise adaptation of the module and mounting opening including tolerances is required, resulting in high workload during development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting plate as an intermediate component that segments the fastening function from the module. The mounting plate's recesses and protrusions are designed with tolerances that accommodate variations in module dimensions, allowing snap-in assembly without requiring precise adaptation of the module itself to the housing opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters by providing multiple recesses in the mounting plate that can accommodate modules of different sizes and shapes. This flexibility in parameter configuration allows the same mounting plate to work with various module variations, reducing the need for precise tolerance matching and extensive development work.
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 assembly and servicing, reduces tooling requirements, and allows for flexible adaptation to different equipment designs, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness by using identical parts and compensating for manufacturing tolerances through elastic deformation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring element is configured and arranged to resiliently support the latching frame on the rear side of the wall next to the mounting opening and/or to resiliently support the support plate on the front side of the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mechanically fastening a module to a wall of a piece of equipment including a mounting opening, including a module carrier comprising a main body structured for insertion into the mounting opening and at least one first snap-in element. The module is connected to a front face of the main body. A support plate that is connected to one of: (i) the module carrier or (ii) module. A latching frame defining a frame opening and comprising at least one second snap-in element on an inner periphery. The first snap-in element and the second snap-in element are configured to snap together when the main body is inserted into the frame opening. A space is defined between the rear face of the support plate and the front face of the latching frame that is dimensioned for receiving an edge region of the wall surrounding the mounting opening.