Integrated Strain Relief in Encoder Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encoder solutions require additional steps and components for strain relief, increasing mounting time and costs, as strain relief devices are typically separate from the encoder.

Innovation Solution

An encoder design that integrates a strain relief device into the cover, featuring extension members and a bar member, allowing for easy attachment and strain relief without additional assembly, accommodating various cable types and fabricated from polymeric materials for injection molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If strain relief devices are provided as separate components from the encoder, then the encoder can be supplied in a simplified configuration, but additional mounting steps and components are required increasing time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief device is integrated into the encoder cover as a single unified component. The cover includes an opening with a strain relief device that has extension members and a bar member, eliminating the need for separate strain relief components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining strain relief functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If strain relief devices are provided as separate components, then the encoder structure can be simpler, but additional parts increase device complexity and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder structure simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief device is merged with the encoder cover to form a single component. The cover includes an opening with a strain relief device comprising extension members and a bar member, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder cover serves multiple functions: it covers the encoder opening and simultaneously provides strain relief functionality through its integrated strain relief device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate strain relief components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If strain relief is attached after cable attachment, then cable installation is easier, but additional assembly steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidassembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief device is pre-integrated into the cover during manufacturing, so that when the cover is attached to the encoder, the strain relief functionality is already in place. This eliminates the need for separate strain relief attachment steps after cable installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1933115B1Encoder with encoder cover with strain relief

Publication Date: 2018.04.18 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH

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AI summary

An encoder includes a base member (14) and a cover (12) attachable to the base member (14). The cover (12) includes a surface (13) with an opening (24) and a strain relief device (26) associated with the opening (24). The strain relief device (26) includes at least one extension member (28) extending from the surface (13) of the cover (12) and at least one bar member (30) extending from the at least one extension member (28). The strain relief device (26) is integral with the cover (12).