Spring Element Fixing Device for Tool-Free Batten Channel Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing batten fasteners require tools for mounting and removal, are difficult to adjust, and may cause electrical boxes to slide or become loose, hindering quick and efficient installation in construction workflows.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with outwardly projecting spring elements that can be squeezed into a batten channel without tools, featuring a holder part for secure box attachment and spring elements that grip the batten sides to prevent sliding or loosening, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional batten fasteners are used, then the box can be firmly secured to the batten, but tools are required for mounting and removal, and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool-free mounting and removalVSAvoidmounting and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates spring elements that can dynamically change their state between compressed and expanded, allowing the device to be easily inserted into and removed from the batten channel without tools. The spring elements compress during insertion and expand to grip the channel walls, providing quick installation and removal while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the box is firmly fastened to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but adjustment of box position along the batten becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of box positionVSAvoidstability against sliding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is segmented into multiple spring elements that can independently engage with the batten channel. This segmentation allows the device to be positioned at different locations along the channel while maintaining stable gripping force, enabling both adjustability and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the batten has a fixed U-shaped profile, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different batten sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with varying batten sizesVSAvoidstructural integrity of fixing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements are designed with adjustable parameters including their initial compression state and engagement depth. By varying these parameters, the fixing device can adapt to different batten channel dimensions while maintaining sufficient gripping force and structural integrity across various sizes.

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 and tool-free mounting and removal of electrical boxes, prevents unintentional sliding or loosening, and accommodates varying batten sizes, ensuring secure and adjustable fastening without additional fasteners or tools.

Implementation Method 1

The spring elements can be pressed together towards one another from a non-loaded state while overcoming a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each spring element has thereby an inner end fastened to the holder part and a free outer end, whereby the distance between the spring elements decreases from the inner ends to the outer ends in a non-loaded or relaxed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1868271B1A fixing device
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 THORSMAN
  • EP1868271B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1868271B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fixing device (1) for fastening installation boxes and apparatus boxes (20) to battens (14) which include a channel (6) which extends longitudinally along the batten (14) and which is defined by two longitudinal sidewalls (15, 16). According to the invention, the fixing device (1) includes a leg part (2) adapted to mount the fixing device (1) in the channel (6) of the batten (14), and a holder part (3) which is adapted to enable an installation box or apparatus box (20) to be fastened to the fixing device (1), wherein the leg part (2) includes two outwardly projecting spring elements (4, 5) which can be squeezed towards one another from a non-loaded state while overcoming a spring force. The invention also relates to an installation system comprising an installation box or an apparatus box (20), and a batten (14) to which the box (20) is to be fastened. According to the invention, the system also comprises a fixing device (1) for fastening the box (20) to the batten (14), wherein the batten (14) includes a longitudinal channel (6) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the batten and which is defined by two longitudinal sidewalls (15, 16), wherein the fixing device (1) includes a leg part (2) adapted for mounting the fixing device (1) in the channel (6) of the batten (14), and a holder part (3) which is adapted to allow an installation box or apparatus box (20) to be fastened to the fixing device (1), wherein the leg part (2) includes two outwardly projecting spring elements (4, 5) which can be squeezed towards one another from a non-loaded state while overcoming a spring force. The invention also relates to a method for fastening an installation box or apparatus box (20) to a batten (14) which includes a channel (6) which extends longitudinally in the batten (14) and which is defined by two longitudinal sidewalls (15, 16). According to the invention, the two spring elements (4, 5) projecting out from a leg part (2) of the fixing device (1) are squeezed towards one another from a non-loaded state while overcoming a spring force so that the fixing device (1) can be fitted into the channel (6) of the batten (14) and an installation box or apparatus box (20) is fastened to a holder part (3) of the fixing device (1).