Cable Inlet Terminal Locking with Automatic Sliding Cover Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminal assemblies require manual alignment and screw fixation of locking elements, making the assembly process complex, time-consuming, and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A cable inlet assembly featuring a locking element that automatically slides into a locked position when pushed by the cable inlet cover, eliminating the need for screws and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment and screw fixation of locking elements is used, then the locking element can be securely fixed to the inlet housing, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically slide into the locked position when the cable inlet cover is mounted, eliminating the need for manual alignment and screw fixation. The system serves itself by using the mounting action of the cover to directly drive the locking element into place through the coupling element mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual screw fixation mechanism is replaced with an automatic sliding mechanism. The coupling element on the locking element interacts with the cable inlet cover through a mechanical interface that converts the vertical mounting motion into horizontal sliding motion, automatically achieving the locking function without screws.
2Reliability
If manual alignment and screw fixation is used, then the locking element can be securely attached, but the assembly process requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically finds its correct position through the sliding mechanism driven by the cable inlet cover mounting process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment problem is solved by changing the dimension of the mounting action. Instead of requiring precise horizontal alignment, the system uses the vertical dimension of cover mounting to drive the horizontal sliding motion of the locking element through the coupling mechanism.
3Reliability
If screws are used to fix the locking element, then the locking element can be securely mounted, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The screw fixation components are completely removed from the system. The locking element's coupling element is designed to interact directly with the cable inlet cover through a sliding interface, extracting the need for separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and locking function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The act of mounting the cable inlet cover simultaneously performs both the attachment and the locking of the terminal, eliminating the need for separate fixation components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable inlet assembly for an inlet housing includes a cable inlet cover covering an inlet for at least one cable, and a locking element slidable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking element includes at least one opening adapted to receive a terminal of the at least one cable, and a first coupling element adapted to be coupled with a second coupling element of the cable inlet cover. The displacement of the cable inlet cover along a vertical direction induces a sliding of the locking element along an orthogonal direction between the unlocked position and the locked position for locking a position of the terminal.