Stackable Module Clamping Device with Deformation Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable devices with force deflection mechanisms often fail after multiple actuations or a long service life, making it difficult or impossible to remove the clamping device from the mounting rail.
Innovation Solution
A force deflection mechanism with a deflection profile and a displacement part featuring a deformation section that can be deformed by a displacement force, allowing for precise guidance of the latching/gripping hooks through sliding contact, enabling reliable operation over a long service life by independently dimensioning and materializing the parts for trouble-free clamping and releasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force deflection mechanism with traditional design is used, then the clamping device can be actuated, but the mechanism fails after multiple actuations or long service life
Solution Approach 1:
The force deflection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a deflection profile on the actuating element and a displacement part with a deformation section. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall reliability during repeated actuations.
Solution Approach 2:
A deformation section acts as an intermediary between the actuating element and the latching/gripping hooks. This intermediate element absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, preventing direct stress concentration on critical components and thereby extending the mechanism's service life.
2Reliability
If the latching/gripping hooks are designed for stable attachment, then the component is securely fastened, but removal becomes difficult after mechanism failure
Solution Approach 1:
The latching/gripping hooks are designed to be dynamically adjustable between a fastening position (for stable attachment) and an open position (for easy removal). The deformation section enables controlled movement between these states, maintaining secure attachment during operation while allowing straightforward removal when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the deformation section is designed for precise displacement control, then hook positioning is accurate, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation section utilizes a flexible, elastically deformable structure that can be molded or formed as a single component. This flexible element provides precise displacement control through its elastic properties while avoiding complex assemblies, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
Ensures stable and reliable operation of the clamping device over its intended service life, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, with the sliding contact allowing for precise control of the displacement force applied to the hooks, preventing unwanted twisting and ensuring stable attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement part (16) on the hook side, which has a deformation section (20) that can be deformed by a displacement force
Implementation Method 2
with sliding contact being or being able to be formed between the deflection profile and the deformation section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6A~6B
AI summary
A stackable module (2) has a housing (4) provided to receive an electric/electronic component (6), and a clamping device (8) for attachment to a support rail (10), wherein the clamping device (8) has two latching/gripping hooks (12), which are displaceable in mutually opposite directions between an open position and a fastening position, and a force deflection mechanism (14) for adjusting the latching/gripping hooks (12) between the open position and the fastening position, said mechanism (14) being actuable by means of an actuating element (28) and able to be subjected to an actuating force (SF) from an outer side. In this case, the latching/gripping hooks (12) bound a free opening distance (fO) which, for releasable fastening to the support rail (10), is greater in the open position and smaller in the fastening position than a provided support rail extent (LT). In this case, provision is made for the force deflection mechanism (14) to have an actuating-element-side deflection profile (30) and a hook-side displacement part (16) which has a deformation portion (20) which is deformable by a displacement force (VF) in order to generate a hook-side displacement, wherein, between the deflection profile (30) and the deformation portion (20), a sliding contact (GK) is able to be formed, at which the deformation portion (20) is able to be subjected to the displacement force (VF) via the deflection profile (30).