Fuse Unit Hinge Lock Mechanism for Springback Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuse units experience a reduction in lock force due to gaps between the notch and hook parts, leading to insufficient holding of the L-shaped bent state, causing damage from springback loads.

Innovation Solution

The fuse unit incorporates lock arms with first and second inclined surfaces that align and contact during bending, allowing for a secure lock state and flexibility to accommodate springback forces, with lock projections and protrusions that slide and flex to maintain the bent configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the conventional lock means with notch and hook parts is used, then the structure is simple, but the lock force is insufficient due to gap occurrence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock means structureVSAvoidlock force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional notch-hook lock means with a disposable adhesive tape that is applied to the bent portion of the conduit. The adhesive tape serves as a single-use locking element that provides sufficient lock force without the complexity of mechanical interlocking parts, directly resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and lock force adequacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the L-shaped bent state is held using conventional lock means, then the circuit arrangement in narrow space is accommodated, but the holding force is insufficient under springback loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit arrangement accommodationVSAvoidholding force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive tape is applied as a disposable element to the bent portion of the conduit to provide reliable holding force against springback loads. This simple yet effective solution ensures the L-shaped bent state is maintained without the need for complex mechanical lock means, directly addressing the reliability issue while preserving adaptability to narrow space circuit arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second lock means with engaging groove and locking projection is used, then the L-shaped bent state can be locked, but all springback loads act on this single lock point causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebent state lockingVSAvoidresistance to springback damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive tape at multiple locations along the bent portion of the conduit rather than relying on a single lock point. This segmentation of the locking function distributes the springback loads across multiple adhesive bonding points, preventing concentration of stress at one location and thereby enhancing the conduit's resistance to springback damage while maintaining stable bent state locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2483902B1Fuse unit
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP2483902B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2483902B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2483902B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fuse unit including a fuse element therein includes a first resin body and a second resin body. The second resin body is connected to the first resin body by a hinge portion and configured to be bended around the hinge portion with respect to the first resin body. A pair of first side walls and a pair of second side walls are provided on the first resin body and the second resin body respectively and extend in a direction intersecting an axis of the bending of the second resin body. A pair of engaging parts are provided at the lock arms provided at the first side walls respectively respectively, and each of which has first inclined face. A pair of engaged parts are provided at the second side walls respectively, and corresponds to the engaging parts respectively, and each of which has second inclined face configured to contact the first inclined face in surface contact in a state that the second resin body is bended. The first inclined face and the second inclined face are formed along a direction intersecting a direction of a reaction force by springback of the fuse element caused by the bending of the second resin body.