Snap-Lock Support Device for Tool-Free Electrical Apparatus Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching electrical apparatuses to apparatus-mounting rails require labor-intensive and time-consuming tool-based operations, often resulting in lost components and costly construction modifications.
Innovation Solution
A support device with snap-locking elastic means and coupling elements that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment of electrical apparatuses to apparatus-mounting rails, utilizing hooks and flexible teeth for secure engagement without the need for screws or bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to fix the electrical apparatus to the support plate, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring tool-based operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-bolt mechanical fastening system with a snap-lock mechanism consisting of elastic elements (springs) and locking lugs. The elastic elements provide continuous pressure to engage the locking lugs with the rail, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure attachment through elastic force rather than threaded mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-lock mechanism is designed to be self-operating through elastic force. The elastic elements automatically engage and disengage the locking lugs with the rail features during insertion and removal, eliminating the need for manual tool operation. The operator simply inserts or withdraws the apparatus, and the elastic mechanism performs the securing or releasing action automatically.
2Reliability
If screws and bolts are used for fixing, then the attachment is secure, but the operation requires two-handed operation and tool availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual screw-driving operation with an elastic snap-lock mechanism where elastic elements (springs) automatically engage locking lugs with the rail. This substitution eliminates the need for tools and reduces the operation to a simple insert-and-release motion that can be performed with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements perform the securing function automatically upon insertion, and the release is achieved by simple withdrawal motion. The mechanism serves itself by using elastic force to maintain engagement without requiring continuous manual intervention or tool operation.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing means are used, then the attachment is secure, but small items like screws and bolts can be easily lost requiring tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixing function into an integral part of the support device structure. The elastic elements and locking lugs are built-in components that cannot be lost, eliminating the separate loose fasteners (screws, bolts) that were previously prone to being misplaced. The fixing mechanism becomes a unified system rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements remain permanently attached to the support device and automatically perform the securing function. There are no detachable fastening components that can be lost, as the elastic mechanism itself provides the continuous securing force throughout the apparatus lifecycle.
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
Facilitates rapid, manual, and secure mounting and demounting of electrical apparatuses to rails, eliminating the need for tools and reducing the risk of lost components, while enabling efficient assembly and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible tooth (16), having an end portion joined to the main body (11) and a projecting end (21) distal from the main body (11), such that said projecting end (21) is such as to snap within a respective cavity (26)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A support device (1) for applying an electrical apparatus (2) to an apparatus-mounting rail (3), the support device (1) including fixing means (14, 15, 16) suitable to co-operate with said electrical apparatus (2) to removably fix said electrical apparatus (2) to the support device (D, characterized in that said fixing means include: coupling means (14, 15) suitable to be engaged with said electrical apparatus (2) following a relative sliding between the electrical apparatus (2) and the support device (1) to pass from a release position to a coupling position; snap-locking elastic means (16) suitable to operate when said coupling position has been reached, said elastic means being such as to allow said relative sliding from the release position to the coupling position and such as to prevent said relative sliding when said coupling position has been reached.