Switching Device Integral Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switching devices for mounting on rails in switchgear require complex manufacturing processes and additional components, leading to increased costs due to the need for separate molding of parts and adjustment mechanisms for locking, which complicates the assembly and disassembly process.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with an integral locking mechanism formed on the housing shell halves, featuring a web with ribs and a curved tongue that provides resilient properties, allowing for secure fastening and easy detachment from the mounting rail without the need for additional components or complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate slide component with adjustable locking mechanism is used, then the switching device can be securely locked on the mounting rail, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to additional molding machines and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the housing shell halves, forming an integral structure. The tongue-shaped locking element is directly formed as part of the housing shell half, eliminating the need for separate slide components and their associated guide receptacles. This integration maintains secure locking functionality while significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing shell half serves multiple functions: it provides the structural enclosure for the switching device and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through the integrated tongue-shaped element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate locking components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable locking capability on standard mounting rails.
2Reliability
If a separate slide component with guide receptacle is used, then the switching device can be locked on the mounting rail, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional molding processes and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the housing shell halves, forming an integral structure. The tongue-shaped locking element is directly formed as part of the housing shell half, eliminating the need for separate slide components and their associated guide receptacles. This integration maintains secure locking functionality while significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing shell half serves multiple functions: it provides the structural enclosure for the switching device and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through the integrated tongue-shaped element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate locking components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable locking capability on standard mounting rails.
3Reliability
If an adjustable slide mechanism is used, then the switching device can be securely fastened to the mounting rail, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex requiring tools and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the housing shell halves, forming an integral structure. The tongue-shaped locking element is directly formed as part of the housing shell half, eliminating the need for separate slide components and their associated guide receptacles. This integration maintains secure locking functionality while significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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
This design simplifies the overall construction of the switching device, reduces manufacturing costs, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly by integrating the locking mechanism into the housing, ensuring secure fastening and efficient release from the mounting rail.
Implementation Method 1
The ribs (11, 12) and/or the tongue (14) have such a thickness that a predetermined spring elasticity is ensured
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Switching device for mounting on mounting rails (26) in switchgear or the like, comprising a housing (1) in which a switching device and a device (14, 18, 22) formed on the underside of the housing for mounting and locking onto a mounting rail (26) are provided, wherein the device (14, 18, 22) has a recess (3) adapted to the profile of the mounting rail (26) and is provided with an element (14) that is displaceable relative to the recess (3) and is arranged in a recess (15) of the housing (1), characterized in that the displaceable element (14) is a tongue (14) which is formed on the underside of the housing (1) by at least two ribs (11, 12), wherein the ribs (11, 12) run parallel to each other and are formed at one end on the housing (1), while at the other end of the ribs (11, 12) the tongue (14) is shaped such that the tongue (14) is attached to a protruding portion over the ribs (11, 12),at the end pointing towards the recess (3) it has a hook-shaped locking section (22) and at the other end a detent section (20) and an actuating section (18).