Electric Meter Cover with Quarter-Turn Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric meters require operators to maintain the cover in their field of vision while performing cable connections, making it difficult to keep wiring diagrams visible and use tools simultaneously, as the cover must be held or placed manually.

Innovation Solution

An electric meter design featuring a removable cover with a quarter-turn screw or abutment fixing mechanism that allows the cover to be securely positioned in two ways, enabling easy access to connection information without being misplaced, using a quarter-turn screw or abutment to hold the cover in place over the terminal block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the cover is removed manually during cable connections, then the wiring diagram remains visible, but the operator must hold the cover in their field of vision while using tools and handling cables simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of wiring diagramVSAvoiddifficulty of performing connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the work surface, holding the cover in a fixed position that displays the wiring diagram while freeing the operator's hands for cable connection tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal face of the cover displays a wiring diagram that serves as a visual reference or copy of the correct connections, allowing the operator to verify cable connections without needing separate documentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If the cover is placed on the ground during connections, then the operator's hands are free, but the cover may be misplaced or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidrisk of misplacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as a secure intermediary location for the cover, preventing it from being misplaced on the ground while keeping the operator's hands free for connection work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is integrated into the meter assembly, providing automatic support for the cover without requiring additional manual intervention or external equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the cover is held manually during connections, then the wiring diagram remains visible, but the operator cannot use both hands for tools and cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of wiring diagramVSAvoidspeed of connection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as a mediator that holds the cover steady, freeing both of the operator's hands for simultaneous use with tools and cables, thereby increasing connection speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2539721B1Electric meter equipped with a removable cover that can be positioned in two positions

Publication Date: 2016.05.11 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

Electric meter (1) comprising a housing delimiting a terminal block for the connection of cables and a removable cover (3) at least partially covering the terminal block, characterized in that the meter comprises a fixing means (6) designed to hold the said cover (3) on a front face of the housing uncovering the terminal block and leaving visible an internal face of the cover comprising means that explain the electrical connection.