Current Detection Device Mechanical Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional current detection devices require expensive welding equipment and processes for assembling the magnetic member to the housing, increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A current detection device design featuring a plate-like bus bar, magnetic field detecting elements, and a housing with a locking arm that elastically deforms to secure the magnetic member without the need for thermal welding, eliminating the need for welding equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thermal welding is used to fix the magnetic member to the housing, then the magnetic member is securely fixed, but welding equipment and welding processes are required, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing strength of magnetic memberVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical locking mechanism. The locking arm with elastic deformation capability mechanically engages with the magnetic member through the locking portion, eliminating the need for welding equipment and processes while maintaining secure fixation of the magnetic member to the housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arm utilizes its own elastic deformation property to automatically engage and secure the magnetic member. When the locking arm elastically deforms, the locking portion protruding from the arm portion automatically engages with the magnetic member, creating a self-securing mechanism that does not require external welding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If thermal welding process is used for assembly, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex thermal welding process with a simple mechanical locking operation. The locking arm's elastic deformation and subsequent engagement of the locking portion with the magnetic member creates a reliable fixation through purely mechanical means, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining fixation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If welding equipment is used for assembling the magnetic member, then secure fixation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates welding equipment requirements by implementing a mechanical locking system. The locking arm with elastic deformation capability mechanically secures the magnetic member through the locking portion, replacing expensive welding equipment with a cost-effective mechanical solution that maintains fixation strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arm appears to be made from a cost-effective material that can be easily formed and disposed of if necessary, replacing expensive welding equipment and processes with a more economical mechanical component that achieves the same fixation purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the requirement for welding equipment and simplifying the assembly process, while maintaining effective current detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the locking arm is provided with an arm portion located between the standing wall portion and the bus bar and elastically deformable in an opposing direction of the standing wall portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10627428B2Current detection device

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

Provided is a current detecting device capable of lowering manufacturing cost, including a strip-like bus bar, a magnetic field detection element, a magnetic member, and a housing that holds these components. The magnetic member includes a bottom plate portion, and a pair of standing wall portions erected from both end portions in the width direction of the bottom plate portion. The pair of standing wall portions positions therebetween the bus bar and the magnetic field detecting element. The housing is provided with a locking arm for retaining the magnetic member. The locking arm is provided with an arm portion configured to be located between the standing wall portion and the bus bar and elastically deformable in an opposing direction of the standing wall portions, and a locking portion protruding from a tip of the arm portion and is configured to engage with the standing wall portion.