Bidirectional Electric Junction Box Attachment Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric junction boxes can only attach components in a predetermined direction, limiting flexibility and space utilization in vehicle installations, as they cannot accommodate components at opposite positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An attachment structure featuring guide portions, a slide portion, first and second locking arms, and a stopper, allowing components to be attached in both the intended direction and the opposite direction, with the locking arms preventing movement in either direction once engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single locking arm is provided for attachment, then the structure is simple, but the component can only be attached in one predetermined direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a first locking arm and a second locking arm, each capable of independent operation. The first locking arm locks the component when inserted from the first end, while the second locking arm locks it when inserted from the other end. This segmentation allows bidirectional attachment capability while maintaining relatively simple individual arm structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same base structure (guide portions, slide portion, locking arms) to accommodate component insertion from either end of the article. The locking arms are positioned and configured to provide locking engagement regardless of insertion direction, making the attachment mechanism universal for bidirectional use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are attached only in a predetermined direction, then the locking mechanism is simple, but space utilization in the vehicle is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is divided into symmetric segments: guide portions extending from both ends, a central slide portion, and two locking arms positioned at opposite sides. This segmentation allows the component to be attached from either end while maintaining operational simplicity through symmetric design.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall structure is symmetric to enable bidirectional attachment, the locking arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the insertion direction. When the component is inserted from the first end, the first locking arm engages; when inserted from the other end, the second locking arm engages. This asymmetric positioning of locking arms relative to insertion paths enables directional flexibility while maintaining simple operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The attachment structure for attachment of a component to an article in two postures includes a case as the article and the component. The case includes a pair of guide portions, first locking arms and a second locking arm. The component includes a slide portion between the guide portions, a stopper arranged in an end of the slide portion and formed in a size which is not able to insert stopper between the guide portions. The first locking arm is engaged where the slide portion is inserted in a space between the guide portions from one end and slides toward an other end. The second locking arm is engaged where the slide portion is inserted in the space between the guide portions from the other end in a posture opposite to that in which the slide portion is inserted between the pair of the guide portions from the one end.