Fuse Cover Locking Structure Eliminates Restricting Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing structure for assembling a fuse holder and a fuse cover requires additional space for a rib to enhance locking, which increases the size and weight of the components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed assembly uses a return portion of the fuse holder that engages with a step portion of the fuse cover, where the return length matches the step height, allowing the fuse holder and fuse cover to be assembled without releasing engagement, even under external forces, eliminating the need for a rib.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an arm restricting rib is provided to prevent elastic deflection of the locking arm, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the arm restricting rib from the fuse holder structure. Instead of adding a rib to restrict elastic deflection, the design accepts the natural elastic behavior of the locking arm, allowing it to deflect and return to its original position to engage with the locking projection, thereby removing unnecessary material and reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by not restricting the elastic deflection of the locking arm. Rather than preventing deflection through a rib, the design utilizes the elastic deflection itself as the locking mechanism, where the locking arm naturally deflects during assembly and returns to lock into place, eliminating the need for additional restrictive structures.
2Reliability
If an arm restricting rib is provided to prevent elastic deflection of the locking arm, then the locking reliability is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the arm restricting rib from the design, thereby eliminating the installation space that would be required for this additional structural element. The locking mechanism functions effectively without the rib, reducing the overall footprint and simplifying the assembly layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the locking function entirely into the elastic locking arm itself, without requiring a separate arm restricting rib. The locking arm's elastic properties are sufficient to provide both the locking action and the necessary structural integrity, consolidating functions into a single component and reducing space requirements.
3Reliability
If an arm restricting rib is provided to prevent elastic deflection of the locking arm, then the locking reliability is improved, but the amount of resin used increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the arm restricting rib from the resin structure. By removing this additional rib feature, the total volume of resin required for manufacturing the fuse holder and fuse cover is reduced, lowering material consumption and production costs while maintaining functional reliability through the elastic locking mechanism alone.
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 configuration saves space and reduces the weight of the fuse holder and fuse cover while maintaining a secure assembly, eliminating the need for additional resin and rib structures.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic locking arm is elastically deflected and deformed to ride over the locking projection. Then, when the distal locking portion moves to a position where the distal locking portion rides over the locking projection completely, the elastic locking arm is deflected back to be restored
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuse cover lock 26 has a return portion that is inserted through a through hole, which is an engagement portion 42, so as to be brought into engagement with a step portion 44. In the return portion that is in engagement with the step portion 44, an end portion on a side facing a fuse cover 4 in an assembling direction of a fuse holder 2 to the fuse cover 4 is positioned near a circumferential edge of an opening of the through hole.