Fusible Link Unit Locking Member Torsional Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fusible link units with foldable structures are prone to separation when a torsional force is applied, as the temporary locking mechanism relies solely on resin parts, which can detach under torsional stress.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a locking member with abutting portions and recesses on both bodies, along with a rectangular open-top-box structure for the locking member, enhances the rigidity and prevents separation by maintaining the locked state even under torsional forces, ensuring the first body does not easily come off from the second body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only temporary locking parts made of resin are used to hold the foldable structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when torsional force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidlocking reliability under torsional force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: temporary locking parts made of resin for basic holding, and a separate locking member with locked portions that engage with locking parts on both the first and second bodies. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the resin parts provide simple temporary holding while the locking member provides robust anti-torsional locking, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism combines different materials with complementary properties: resin material for the temporary locking parts that provides ease of molding and basic holding function, and a more rigid material for the locking member that provides strength against torsional forces. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both low complexity and high reliability by using each material where it is most effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If the bus bar is bent to form a foldable structure, then the heat radiation portion expansion is prevented, but the stability deteriorates when torsional force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiation areaVSAvoidfoldable structure stability under torsion
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is installed in advance on the foldable structure to prevent torsional separation before it can occur. The locked portions of the locking member engage with the locking parts on the first and second bodies, creating preliminary anti-action against torsional forces that would otherwise cause the bent bus bar structure to separate, thus maintaining both the compact heat radiation area and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking member with multiple abutting portions is added, then the stability under torsional force is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoldable structure stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking member. The locking member combines multiple locked portions that simultaneously engage with locking parts on both the first and second bodies, and includes multiple abutting portions for preventing both separation and approach of the folded bodies. This merging provides comprehensive stability against various forces while adding only one component rather than multiple separate mechanisms, thus improving stability with minimal increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4009346B1Fusible link unit
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP4009346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009346B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4009346B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fusible link unit (1) includes a locking member (3) having a first locked portion (11), a second locked portion (13), and a pair of first abutted portions (15); a connection section (5); a first body (7) having a first locking part (19) and a pair of first abutting parts (21), the first body (7) being extended from the first boundary (27) in a predetermined direction, and the first boundary (27) being a boundary extending in a direction that intersects a deployed direction of the first abutting parts (21); and a second body (9) having a second locking part (29) and a pair of second abutting parts (31), and extending in the same direction as the first body (7) from the second boundary (37), the second boundary (37) being a boundary extending in a direction that intersects a deployed direction of the second abutting part (31).