Attachment Assembly for Controller Housing with Latch Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for controller housings in conveyor systems are not space-efficient and lack robustness, often requiring additional channels for cables and being vulnerable to misuse or unintended forces.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly with a single piece design that includes a latch member configuration allowing the housing to be securely attached to a side channel with a defined spacing, accommodating cables and withstanding greater forces, while maintaining a compact and integrated design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing attachment systems are used to attach controller housing to conveyor side channel, then the housing can be attached to the conveyor system, but the system is not space-efficient and requires additional channels for cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function and cable management function into a single integrated attachment assembly. The attachment piece includes latch members for securing the housing to the side channel while simultaneously providing cable access pathways, eliminating the need for separate cable channels and improving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly serves multiple functions: it attaches the housing to the conveyor system, provides structural support, and manages cable routing. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate components.
2Reliability
If existing attachment systems are used, then the housing can be attached to the side channel, but the attachment is vulnerable to misuse or unintended forces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is designed with latch members that engage with the side channel in a way that prevents unintended detachment. The configuration of the latch members and their engagement points creates inherent resistance against forces that could cause misuse or accidental release, providing preliminary protection against unreliable attachment.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued, then space efficiency is improved, but cable accommodation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly integrates cable access pathways within the structure of the attachment piece itself. The cable pathways are nested within the attachment assembly's geometry, allowing cables to be routed through the attachment structure without requiring additional external space, thus maintaining compactness while providing cable accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a housing that encloses a controller configured to control a conveyor system; and an attachment assembly attached to a first side of the housing. The attachment assembly is configured to attach the housing to a side channel of the conveyor system, and the attachment assembly includes an attachment piece, the attachment piece including: a first latch member configured for connection to a first interface on the side channel of the conveyor system; and a second latch member configured for connection to a second interface on the side channel of the conveyor system. When one or more of the first latch member is connected to the first interface and the second latch member is connected to the second interface, the housing is attached to the side channel with a space between the side channel and the first side of the housing.