Dual-Lock Mechanism for Electronic Component Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking structures between a member to be supported and a supporting body often compromise mounting workability due to locking from a single direction, limiting ease of installation and potential for improved securement.

Innovation Solution

A dual-lock mechanism system is implemented, featuring first and second lock mechanisms that guide and secure the member to be supported from both sides, allowing for easier fitting and secure locking from multiple directions, with each lock mechanism acting as a guide when approached from the opposite side, preventing escape through designated openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-direction locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the mounting workability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting workabilityVSAvoidlocking structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure is divided into multiple independent lock mechanisms (first lock mechanism and second lock mechanism) positioned at different locations. Each lock mechanism can independently secure the member to the supporting body, allowing the system to achieve reliable mounting from multiple directions while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system transitions from single-direction locking to multi-directional locking by adding lock mechanisms at different spatial positions (first and second locks). This dimensional expansion allows the member to be securely fastened from multiple angles, significantly improving mounting workability without requiring complex individual lock components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If locking from one direction only, then the structure is simple, but the securement reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidlocking structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is segmented into multiple independent lock mechanisms positioned at different locations. Each lock contributes to the overall securement reliability, so that if one lock is subjected to stress or vibration, the other locks continue to maintain the member's secure attachment to the supporting body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different lock mechanisms are positioned at specific locations (first lock at one location, second lock at another location) to provide localized securement where needed. This allows the structure to achieve high overall reliability by distributing security functions across multiple strategic points rather than concentrating complexity in a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple lock mechanisms are added, then the securement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidlocking structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into distinct, independent lock mechanisms that can be implemented using simple, standardized components. Each lock mechanism is self-contained and performs a specific securing function, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through multiple simple elements rather than one complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanisms are designed with universal applicability, where each lock can serve both as a primary securing element and as a guide for the member during mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guide components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining improved securement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9686877B2Locking structure between member to be supported and supporting body
Publication Date: 2017.06.20 YAZAKI CORP
  • US9686877B2 patent drawing
  • US9686877B2 patent drawing
  • US9686877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking structure between a member to be supported and a supporting body includes an electronic component unit as a member to be supported, an electronic component unit housing part of an electrical connection box as a supporting body, a lock mechanism for upper insertion fitting (an engagement claw and a lock arm) that, when the electronic component unit is fitted to the electronic component unit housing part from an upper-side opening, locks the electronic component unit to the electronic component unit housing part to prevent the electronic component unit from escaping toward the upper-side opening, and a lock mechanism for lower insertion fitting (an engagement claw and a lock arm) that, when the electronic component unit is fitted to the electronic component unit housing part from a lower-side opening, locks the electronic component unit to the electronic component unit housing part to prevent from escaping toward the lower-side opening.