Pre-assembled Starter Mounting Device Multi-Rail Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting a pre-assembled starting system on rails are hindered by conventional fixing devices that require both rails to be on the same plane, preventing simultaneous insertion of rail edges into hooked mounting elements, and often necessitate additional mounting plates, increasing system size and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with oppositely oriented mounting elements, an elastic element, and a gripping portion allows for the attachment of a pre-assembled starting system to multiple rails by inserting one rail edge into a fixed housing and then positioning the second rail edge when the mobile mounting element is retracted, ensuring secure retention without increasing system dimensions or costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixing devices with two hooked mounting elements are used, then electrical devices can be fixed independently on rails, but pre-assembled starting systems cannot be mounted on multiple rails simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidfixing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element incorporates a movable mounting portion that can transition between a retracted position (for inserting the first rail) and an extended position (for retaining the second rail). This dynamic mechanism allows a single fixed device to adapt to multi-rail mounting requirements without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element serves multiple functions: it provides a housing for rail insertion, a movable portion for sequential rail engagement, and a retention mechanism for the second rail. This multi-functionality enables pre-assembled starting systems to be mounted on multiple rails while maintaining independent device fixation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional mounting plates are used to attach the starting system to the mounting rails, then the mounting is enabled, but the system size increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting portion is integrated directly into the fixed device structure rather than being a separate mounting plate. This merging of functions eliminates additional components, reduces system size, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to mount pre-assembled starting systems on multiple rails

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional mounting plates are used to attach the starting system to the mounting rails, then the mounting is enabled, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting functionality is combined with the existing fixed device structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting plates. This reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers production costs while maintaining full mounting capability on multiple rails

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 secure mounting of a pre-assembled starting system on rails while maintaining the independence of electrical device installation, reducing manufacturing costs and system size by allowing simultaneous rail edge insertion and retention.

Implementation Method 1

a movable mounting element (17), movable between a retracted position and a deployed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2963747B1Mounting of a starter system on a plurality of fixing rails
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2963747B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2963747B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5b
  • EP2963747B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~8c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a starting system (1) comprising a plurality of electrical devices (3, 5), each comprising an insulating housing (7, 9), fixed to one another and aligned along a first extension direction (D1). The plurality of electrical devices (3, 5) is intended to be mounted on a plurality of mounting rails (13, 15) extending along a second extension direction (D2) transverse to the first extension direction (D1). A first electrical device (3) comprises a removable mounting device (21) having a movable primary mounting element (17), the mounting device (21) forming a primary housing (35) into which a portion (13a) of a first rail (13) is suitable for insertion.A second electrical device (5) includes a secondary mounting element (19), the secondary mounting element (19) forming, with the insulating housing (9) of the second electrical device (5) a secondary housing (81) into which a portion (15a) of a second rail (15) is suitable to be inserted.