Integrated Cover Locking Assembly Without Separate Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for joining two parts together, such as in electrical meter installations, often require a separate screw or independent third part, increasing assembly complexity and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A hood assembly with a locking device integrated into the parts to be joined, featuring an actuator with an actuating rib and elastically deformable member, allowing for direct locking and unlocking without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate screw or independent third part is used to join two parts together, then the joining function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges the actuator, locking member, and fastening function into a single integrated component. The actuator includes both the actuating rib and elastically deformable member as one unit that is directly integrated into the cover assembly, eliminating the need for separate screws or independent fasteners. This integration directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the joining function.
2Quantity of substance
If a separate screw is used to secure the cover to the housing, then the locking function is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and actuator are merged into a single integrated component. The actuator is directly formed as part of the cover assembly, with the actuating rib and elastically deformable member constituting one unified structure. This reduces the number of separate components while achieving the same locking function that would otherwise require a screw and separate actuating mechanism.
3Device complexity
If an integrated locking device is used without separate fasteners, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates an elastically deformable member that can dynamically change its state between compressed and decompressed positions. This elastic deformation allows the locking member to engage and disengage reliably through controlled movement of the actuating rib, maintaining locking security while enabling simple integrated operation without separate fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable member provides self-contained locking and unlocking functionality within the integrated actuator. The elastic deformation of the member itself generates the locking force and movement required for secure engagement, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining reliable locking through the self-service mechanism of the elastic material.
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
Simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for separate fasteners, providing a secure and efficient locking mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable member (24) linked in translation to each other, the actuator being movable in translation relative to the main wall (12) between a closing position of the locking device (16) in which the elastically deformable member (24) is in a decompression state, and an opening position of the locking device (16) in which the elastically deformable member (24) is in a compression state
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hood assembly (10) comprising a main wall (12) and a cover (14), adapted to cooperate with each other, the hood assembly (10) comprising a locking device (16) configured to lock the cover (14) in position on the main wall (12), the locking device (16) comprising at least: - An actuator (18) on the main wall (12) and comprising at least one actuating rib and at least one elastically deformable member, - A locking member extending in projection from the cover (14) and configured at least to lock said cover (14) in position relative to the main wall (12).