Bus Bar Module Reinforcing Section Latch Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bus bar modules face issues with reduced rigidity of the resin case near the latch claw, causing deformation and misalignment of the latch claw with the latch hole, making it difficult to secure the door section in the closed position.

Innovation Solution

A bus bar module design featuring a reinforcing section on the second module body section that engages with the output terminal installation section to prevent deformation, ensuring proper alignment and engagement of the latch claw with the latch hole, even with low rigidity, by overlapping and aligning the reaction force direction with the thickness direction of both sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the door section is closed and the latch claw engages with the latch hole, then the door section can be fixed in the closed position, but the resin case bends due to force from the door section causing misalignment and making engagement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch engagement reliabilityVSAvoidresin case rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing section is positioned in the thickness direction of the resin case, adding structural support in the Z-dimension (depth) to prevent bending in the X-Y plane. This dimensional addition strengthens the resin case without altering its external dimensions or appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bus bar module is divided into two detachable module body sections, with the reinforcing section integrated into one section. This segmentation allows the reinforcing section to be strategically placed only where needed (at the latch engagement position) rather than throughout the entire structure, optimizing strength where required while maintaining overall design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the resin case has low rigidity, then the module body section can be easier to manufacture and assemble, but the latch hole misaligns with the latch claw when force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule body section manufacturabilityVSAvoidlatch hole alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing section provides localized structural enhancement only at the specific position where the latch engagement force is applied. This local reinforcement maintains the overall ease of manufacture for the majority of the resin case while precisely addressing the alignment issue at the critical latch hole position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By adding the reinforcing section in the thickness direction, the structure gains dimensional stability without requiring increases in the planar dimensions that would complicate manufacturing. The reinforcement is integrated into the existing manufacturing process through strategic placement in the Z-dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Weight of moving object

If the door section is made lightweight, then the overall module weight is reduced, but the reaction force from door closure causes resin case deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor section weightVSAvoidresin case strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bus bar module is segmented into detachable body sections, allowing the reinforcing section to be integrated only where needed. This segmentation enables the door section to remain lightweight while the reinforcing section provides localized strength support at the latch engagement position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing section provides localized strength enhancement only at the critical position where door closure force is applied. This allows the door section and majority of the resin case to remain lightweight while maintaining sufficient strength at the specific location requiring higher load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2871693B1Bus bar module
Publication Date: 2016.06.15 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP2871693B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP2871693B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP2871693B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bus bar module (1) includes: a first module body section (3) provided with an output terminal installation section (13); a second module body section (5) detachably attached to the first module body section; an output terminal cover (19) provided to the first module body section using a hinge section (21) , and configured to cover an output terminal; a cover latch section (23) provided to the output terminal cover; a cover latching section (27) to which the cover latch section of the output terminal cover is fastened; and a reinforcing section (31) configured to come into engagement with the output terminal installation section when the second module body section is installed on the first module body section, and configured to prevent deformation of the output terminal installation section.