Vertical Electrical Device Arrangement on Mounting Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical device installations on mounting rails face space constraints due to the inability to efficiently arrange multiple devices in a compact manner, leading to wasted space and inefficient use of rail width.
Innovation Solution
A space-saving arrangement of electrical devices on a mounting rail utilizing connector devices with specific upper and lower connection means that allow for perpendicular mounting of multiple devices, maintaining a standardized width and enabling flexible electrical interconnections, thereby reducing the overall width of the installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple electrical devices are mounted on a mounting rail in conventional arrangements, then the number of devices that can be installed increases, but the width of the installation increases proportionally, wasting space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal arrangement of electrical devices on a mounting rail to a vertical arrangement where devices are stacked one above another. The connector device enables this dimensional change by providing upper connection means that interface with the bottom side of devices mounted above, and lower connection means that interface with devices mounted below or to the side, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce horizontal space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device acts as an intermediary structure that nests multiple electrical devices together in a compact configuration. The upper and lower connection means of the connector device allow devices to be mechanically and electrically integrated in a nested arrangement, where the connector device itself becomes part of the mounting structure for subsequent devices, maximizing space utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If electrical devices are arranged perpendicular to the mounting rail to save space, then the width of installation is reduced, but the complexity of electrical connections between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is designed with dual functionality: it provides both mechanical mounting support and electrical connection capabilities. The upper connection means not only mechanically support devices mounted above but also provide electrical interfaces. Similarly, the lower connection means provide both mechanical support and electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and wiring harnesses, reducing overall system complexity despite the perpendicular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device serves as an intermediary element between multiple electrical devices arranged perpendicular to the mounting rail. Instead of directly connecting devices to each other which would require complex routing, the connector device mediates these connections through its standardized upper and lower connection means, simplifying the electrical interconnection architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement (10) of electrical devices for installation on a mounting rail (12) is disclosed, which comprises a first electrical device (14) being configured for installation on the mounting rail (12), a first connector device (16) comprising upper connection means for mounting and electrically connecting to the bottom side of the first electrical device (14) and comprising lower connection means for mounting and electrically connecting to one or more electrical devices, wherein the lower connection means are configured for mounting two or more electrical devices arranged in a row being vertical to the mounting rail, at least one second electrical device (18, 20), and a second connector device (22) comprising upper connection means for mounting and electrically connecting to the bottom side of the at least one second electrical device and comprising lower connection means for electrically connecting to wires (24), wherein the upper connection means are configured for mounting to two or more electrical devices arranged in a row being vertical to the mounting rail, and wherein the bottom side of the first electrical device (14) is mounted on and electrically connected to the upper connection means of the first connector device (16), the upper side of the at least one second electrical device (18, 20) is mounted and electrically connected to the lower connection means of the first connector device (16), and the lower side of the at least one second electrical device (18, 20) is mounted on and electrically connected to the upper connection means of the second connector device (22).