Connecting Assembly Reduces Assembly Force via Segmented Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements between control units and structural units require high assembly forces due to the need for simultaneous prestressing of spring elements and latching connections, making them cumbersome and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring a fastening bracket with two pivotable fastening arms, where one arm is anchored first, and then pivoted to connect the other arm, reducing assembly forces and allowing for tool-free mounting without additional fastening elements, with elastic deformation generating prestressing forces and a design that protects against mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements and latching connections are prestressed simultaneously, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but assembly forces become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is segmented into two distinct phases: first the latching connection is formed, then the spring elements are prestressed. This temporal and functional segmentation allows each element to be activated separately, avoiding the need for simultaneous high forces while ensuring both latching and electrical contact reliability are achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching connection is established as a preliminary action before the spring elements are prestressed. By securing the structural unit to the housing unit first through the latching mechanism, the assembly is stabilized and positioned correctly, allowing subsequent spring element engagement to occur at reduced forces since the components are already in their final relative positions.
2Reliability
If the structural unit completely encloses the control unit, then protection and stability are improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural unit is segmented into a housing unit that provides protection and a separate fastening bracket that provides mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows the protective housing to be optimized for minimal volume while the fastening bracket extends only as necessary for connection, reducing overall installation space while maintaining protection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the structural unit completely enclose the control unit, the design inverts the approach by having the housing unit provide protection and the fastening bracket provide attachment functionality externally. This inversion allows the control unit to remain accessible and reduces the volume required for complete enclosure while maintaining protective functions.
3Force
If additional actuating levers are used to reduce assembly forces, then assembly force requirement decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening bracket is designed to be self-servicing during assembly, utilizing its own elastic deformability and pivotable geometry to reduce assembly forces without requiring external actuating levers. The bracket's inherent mechanical properties enable it to engage and secure itself to the housing unit with minimal external force, eliminating the need for additional complexity while maintaining low assembly force requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces assembly forces required, allows for simpler and more compact installations, and prevents mechanical damage during assembly by distributing forces effectively and using elastic deformation for prestressing, enabling efficient and secure electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the fastening arms can each be mechanically connected to one side of the housing unit, that the two fastening arms are connected to one another with a connecting section which carries the at least one contact element, and that the fastening bracket is mounted about a pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly (10) between a control device (11) and a module (12) connected to the control device (11) for electrically contacting the control device (11), wherein the control device (11) has a housing unit (20), which is composed of a protective mass (19) and which surrounds a circuit carrier (14) at least in some areas, the control device comprising at least one circuit unit arranged on the circuit carrier (14) and comprising at least one contact unit (38 to 41) for the contacting by the module (12), wherein the housing unit (20) is free of the protective mass (19) at least in some areas in the region of the at least one contact unit (38 to 41), wherein the module (12) has at least one contact element (58), preferably in the form of a spring element (57), which is in electrically conductive contact with the at least one contact unit (38 to 41) when the module (12) is mounted on the control device (11), and wherein the control device (11) and the module (12) are mechanically connected to each other by means of a force-closed connection.