Fuse Holder with Integrated Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuse holders are complex and not very ergonomic, requiring two hands to operate and detailed instructions for handling, with insecure locking mechanisms that often require additional parts for padlocking, making them difficult to use intuitively and securely.
Innovation Solution
A fuse holder design featuring a mobile cover with a lever actuated by a pivot link, allowing one-handed operation through rotational and translational movements, with elastic return means and locking mechanisms that immobilize the cover in maintenance positions, enabling secure locking without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then security is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the actuating means itself. The actuating means includes a locking member that can engage with a locking zone on the cover, transforming the actuating means into a dual-function component that both actuates the cover and provides locking capability. This eliminates the need for separate locking components while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating means is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the primary actuator for moving the cover between positions and simultaneously serves as a locking mechanism when engaged in the locked position. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is combined with the actuating means, allowing the operator to achieve both actuation and locking in a single operational sequence. The operator manipulates the actuating means to move the cover and simultaneously engages the locking member with the locking zone, eliminating the need for separate locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically as part of the actuation process. When the actuating means is manipulated to move the cover to a specific position, the locking member automatically engages with the locking zone, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional manual intervention from the operator.
3Reliability
If additional locking parts are added, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the actuating means structure. The actuating means includes a locking member that forms part of its structure, which can engage with a locking zone on the cover. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking components such as additional hasps, latches, or padlock mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating means serves dual purposes: it acts as the primary actuator for cover movement and simultaneously provides locking capability through its integrated locking member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining security functionality.
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
The design improves handling intuitiveness and security by allowing single-handed operation and secure locking of the fuse holder in maintenance positions, preventing accidental reconnection or removal, while reducing the need for additional locking components.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic return means being arranged to: in the first closed position, cooperate with at least one bearing portion movable in rotation around the first axis of rotation connected to the lever, so that the elastic return means are constrained by the movable bearing portion and that a locking end piece connected to the elastic return means is disposed outside the locking housing of the fixed part, in the second open position, cooperate with at least one mobile reservation in rotation around the first axis of rotation connected to the lever, so that the elastic return means are at least partly disposed in the mobile reservation and that the locking end is disposed outside the housing of locking of the fixed part, in the third maintenance position, cooperate, on the one hand, with the movable bearing portion, so that the elastic return means are constrained by the movable bearing portion and that the locking end piece is inserted into said locking housing, to immobilize the cover relative to the fixed part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuse holder (1) comprising a fixed part (2) and a movable device (4) for a fuse holder (1) comprising a cover (5) and actuating means (7) for manipulating the cover (5), the cover (5) being movable in translation relative to said fixed part (2), between a first closed position and a second open position, from the second open position, the cover (5) being movable in translation to a third maintenance position (PPARK), in which the cover (5) protrudes from the fixed part (2) and is immobilized relative to the fixed part (2), the actuating means (7) comprising a lever (11) comprising two arms (12), and a gripping element (17) connecting the second ends (16) of the arms (12) of the lever (11), the lever (11) being movable in rotation relative to said cover (5) by means of a first pivot joint (8) about a first axis of rotation (A1),so that: in the first closed position, the second end (16) of the lever (11) is pivoted by a reference angle (α0) with respect to the outer face (5') of the cover (5); in the second open position, the second end (16) of the lever (11) is pivoted by a first angle strictly greater than zero with respect to the outer face (5') of the cover (5); in the third maintenance position (PPARK), the second end (16) of the lever (11) is pivoted by the reference angle (α0).