Snap-Lock Mounting Device for Tool-Free Housing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for functional elements, such as housings for electrical and electronic components, require complex disassembly for inspection and repair, as they are typically fastened directly to a surface using screws.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a functional element and a device with a snap lock mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, where the functional element is inserted into the device, which is pre-mounted on a surface, and secured with a snap lock that can be released externally for disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the functional element is fastened directly to a surface using screws, then the mounting is secure and stable, but the disassembly for inspection and repair becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into three separate components: a mounting device with attaching means for the surface, a functional element, and a snap lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the functional element to be easily detached from the mounting device without removing the entire assembly from the surface, enabling simple inspection and repair while maintaining secure mounting during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the mounting device and the functional element. It provides a reversible connection that can be quickly engaged and disengaged from the outside, allowing the functional element to be attached to and detached from the mounting device without tools, thus simplifying repair operations while maintaining secure attachment during use.
2Reliability
If the functional element is permanently fixed to the surface, then the mounting is stable and reliable, but the ability to perform inspection and repair operations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic reversible connection through the snap lock mechanism. The snap lock can be engaged to provide stable mounting during operation and disengaged to enable maintenance operations, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements without compromising mounting stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap lock mechanism is pre-configured on the mounting device and the functional element is designed with corresponding engagement features. This preliminary preparation allows for quick attachment and detachment operations during maintenance, eliminating the need for complex assembly or disassembly procedures while ensuring secure mounting during operation.
3Ease of repair
If a snap lock mechanism is used for easy assembly and disassembly, then the maintenance operation is simplified, but the securing strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snap lock mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the tab (which can be made of elastomeric or flexible material) to provide both easy engagement and strong securing. The curved or flexible nature of the tab allows it to deform during engagement and then spring back to provide a strong locking force, combining assembly simplicity with adequate securing strength.
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 and tool-free assembly and disassembly of the functional element, reducing the complexity of maintenance and allowing for repeated insertion and removal without the need for tools, while ensuring secure mechanical fixation during use.
Implementation Method 1
a snap lock is provided to block the pushed-in system components from being pushed apart
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a system consisting of a functional element (4), in particular a housing, and a device (2) for mounting the functional element (4), the device (2) having means for fastening (11) the device (2) to a surface, the functional element (4) having an interior for inserting electronic and/or electrical components. According to the invention, the device (2) and the functional element (4) are designed to be pushed into each other in order to achieve mechanical fixing of the functional element (4) to the device (2) when the device (2) is mounted on a surface, and a snap-fit securing means (12) is provided in order to prevent the system components (2, 4) pushed into each other from being pushed apart, wherein, when the device (2) and the functional element (4) are pushed into each other and fixed, the snap-fit securing means (12) is accessible from the outside and detachable when the device (2) is mounted on a surface, wherein the snap-fit securing means (12) allows and/or supports multiple operations of mounting and removing of the functional element (4) on and from the device (2).