Telecom Mounting Frame With Flexible Clips For Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional telecommunications equipment mounting frames require tool-assisted installation and are cumbersome in areas with limited access, making them time-consuming and sometimes impossible to install in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame design featuring a back plate with module mounting arms and flexible clips that extend from the back plate, allowing for tool-free installation and uninstallation, with flexible tabs and projections to securely engage with edges of a mounting structure, facilitating quick and easy installation in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional clamping system with tools is used for installation, then the mounting frame can be securely fixed to rails, but the installation process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame performs its own mounting function through the self-latching mechanism of the clips. The clips automatically engage with the rails and lock into place through their own elastic deformation, eliminating the need for external tools or additional fastening operations. This self-service capability directly addresses the productivity improvement by enabling rapid installation without tool-assisted operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change to achieve secure mounting. By designing the clips with specific elastic properties, they can deform during insertion, then spring back to lock onto the rails. This parameter change from flexible during insertion to rigid when locked provides both ease of installation and secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and mounting security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional clamping system is used, then the mounting frame can be securely fixed, but the installation becomes impossible in areas with limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is segmented into multiple independent clips that can be individually manipulated. Each clip operates independently to engage with the rails, allowing the installation to proceed even if access to certain areas is limited. This segmentation enables partial engagement and installation in confined spaces where traditional unified clamping systems would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are designed with dynamic elastic properties that allow them to flex and adapt during the insertion process. This dynamic behavior enables the clips to navigate tight spaces and engage with rails even when access is limited, as they can deform to fit through constrained openings and then lock into position. The dynamic flexibility directly improves adaptability to tight spaces while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If tool-free installation is implemented, then installation efficiency improves, but the security and reliability of mounting may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. While individual clips are simple in design, their collective engagement provides robust mounting security. The simplicity of each clip enables tool-free installation, while the redundancy of multiple clips working together maintains reliability and mounting security, resolving the contradiction between installation efficiency and mounting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips utilize curved or angled geometries to create mechanical interlocking with the rails. The curved design allows the clips to snap into place during tool-free installation, while the geometric configuration ensures positive engagement and prevents dislodgement. This curved geometry enables both easy insertion and secure locking, addressing the contradiction between installation efficiency and mounting security.
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 rapid and tool-less installation and removal of telecommunications equipment in tight spaces, improving installation efficiency and accessibility without compromising security, even in areas with limited access.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible clip that extends from the back plate, opposite the module mounting arms
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting frame includes a main frame that includes a back plate and at least one set of module mounting arms that extend from the back plate. The module mounting arms are configured to receive at least one telecommunications module. The mounting frame includes at least one mounting member fixed to the back plate. The at least one mounting member has at least one flexible clip that extends from the back plate, opposite the module mounting arms.