Elastic Coupling Teeth for Tool-Free Modular Electrical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electrical apparatuses with rigid and/or flexible coupling teeth face difficulties in easy uncoupling, often requiring tools like screwdrivers, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
The modular electrical apparatus employs elastically flexible coupling teeth that can switch between coupling and uncoupling configurations, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, using a pair of coupling hooks that slide along a side wall and are held in place by locking elements, enabling a strong and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid and/or flexible coupling teeth are used to couple modular electrical apparatuses, then the coupling strength is improved, but the uncoupling difficulty increases and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with elastic flexibility allowing it to dynamically change shape during coupling and uncoupling operations. The element can be deformed to enable easy insertion and removal, then returns to its original shape to provide strong coupling, making the system adaptable to different operational states without requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element's physical parameters (shape, position) are changed during operation. By deforming the elastic element, the coupling mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states, allowing tool-free uncoupling while maintaining strong connection during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If coupling teeth are made elastically flexible to enable easy uncoupling, then the uncoupling ease is improved, but the coupling strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic coupling element dynamically adjusts its properties during operation. When uncoupling is needed, the element is temporarily deformed to reduce its engagement strength, allowing easy removal. Once re-engaged, it returns to its elastic state to provide sufficient coupling strength, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of uncoupling and coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic coupling element is pre-designed with specific geometric features that concentrate stress in controlled areas. This preliminary design allows the element to deform predictably during uncoupling while maintaining overall structural integrity and coupling strength during normal operation.
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 solution simplifies the coupling and uncoupling of modular electrical apparatuses, making the process more efficient and tool-free while maintaining a secure connection, addressing the difficulty of prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The modular electrical apparatus employs elastically flexible coupling teeth that can switch between coupling and uncoupling configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular electrical apparatus (10; 100) is described, comprising coupling elements (17, 18; 117, 118) for coupling said apparatus (10; 100) to a further modular electrical apparatus (31) such that said apparatuses (10; 100; 31), once they are coupled together, have two respective juxtaposed side walls (12, 34). The modular electrical apparatus (10; 100) comprises a generally box-shaped apparatus body (11) including a first coupling side wall (12) and a second side wall (13) opposite said first side wall (12). The coupling elements (17, 18; 117, 118) comprise at least one elastically flexible coupling tooth (17; 117) projecting from said first side wall (12), the coupling tooth (17; 117) being suitable to selectively take a coupling configuration, wherein said tooth (17; 117) is elastically uncharged, and an uncoupling configuration, wherein said tooth is deflected and elastically charged with respect to the coupling configuration. The modular electrical apparatus (10; 100) being characterized in that it comprises holding elements (21, 22; 121, 122) suitable to releasably hold said coupling tooth (17; 117) in the uncoupling configuration.