Electromechanical Actuator Wire Retention Clip for Blackout Shutters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical actuators for concealment devices face issues with electrical wire damage or cutting during insertion and throughout their lifespan due to the wires being slipped inside the casing, leading to potential power supply faults that can cause the screen or load bar to rotate improperly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a clip with a groove in the housing to securely hold the electrical wires in position, preventing damage during insertion and maintaining reliable power supply throughout the actuator's life, ensuring the wires are not cut and facilitating assembly without requiring specialized dexterity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electrical wires are slipped inside the housing during insertion, then the electromagnetic device can be mounted inside the housing, but the electrical wires are at risk of being damaged or severed during insertion and throughout the actuator's lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidwire integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the electrical wires in a dedicated groove within the housing before the electromagnetic device is inserted. This groove is specifically designed to guide and secure the wires, preventing them from being damaged during the insertion process or throughout the actuator's operational life. The wires are held in place by the groove structure, ensuring they are properly positioned before any subsequent assembly steps occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If electrical wires are held in position by a temporary retaining element made with adhesive, then the wires can be retained during assembly, but the adhesive may detach during insertion or during the life of the electromechanical actuator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wire retentionVSAvoidwire retention durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive (a temporary, potentially unreliable retaining element) with a permanent structural feature - the groove in the housing. This groove is an integral part of the housing structure, providing long-term, reliable wire retention without the risk of detachment that plagues adhesive-based solutions. The groove serves as a permanent, built-in wire management system that lasts the entire lifespan of the actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical wires are left loose inside the housing, then the electromagnetic device can be freely inserted, but the wires may deteriorate in position and cause power supply failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific localized structure (the groove) within the housing that is dedicated to wire management. This groove provides a controlled environment for the electrical wires, ensuring they maintain their position and function reliably. The groove is strategically positioned and dimensioned to accommodate the wires while allowing the rest of the housing to maintain its overall flexibility and adaptability for other assembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4056801B1Electromechanical actuator and blackout device comprising such an actuator
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 SIMU
  • EP4056801B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056801B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4056801B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electromechanical actuator for a shutter device comprises a housing, an electric motor, an electromagnetic device (32), an output shaft, an electrical connection device, and a clip (45). The electric motor and the electromagnetic device (32) are mounted inside the housing. The electromagnetic device (32) is connected to the electrical connection device by means of electrical wires (43). The electromagnetic device (32) includes a housing (44). The housing (44) includes a groove (46). The clip (45) is mounted on the housing (44) and is at least partially housed in the groove (46) of the housing (44). Furthermore, the electrical wires (43) are held in position in the groove (46) of the housing (44) by means of the clip (45).