Gear-Driven Clamping Ring for Meter Cover Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for electric meter covers are inefficient in securely fastening the cover to the meter housing, lacking a reliable and user-friendly method to ensure a tight seal and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A gear mechanism with a clamping ring and manual actuator is introduced, allowing the clamping ring to move circumferentially relative to its end portions, utilizing a pinion and rack system to securely fasten and loosen the cover, with a stop member and spring mechanism for axial movement and rotation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used for the meter cover, then the structure is simple, but the locking reliability and sealing tightness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static simple lock to a dynamic gear-based system that provides progressive tightening control. The gear mechanism allows the clamping ring to be adjusted incrementally to achieve optimal locking force and sealing pressure, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into distinct functional components: the clamping ring for radial compression, the gear mechanism for motion conversion, the rack for linear displacement, and the stop member for positioning control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall locking reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If a gear mechanism with rack and pinion is used to move the clamping ring circumferentially, then the locking precision and tightness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct manual manipulation of the clamping ring with a gear mechanism (pinion and rack) that converts rotational motion into precise circumferential movement. This mechanical substitution provides controlled, repeatable positioning of the clamping ring, improving locking precision while the modular gear design keeps the added complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If a stop member is added to block gear rotation at specific positions, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member automatically engages with the gear at predetermined positions to provide precise positioning without requiring external control systems or complex sensing mechanisms. This self-service positioning feature improves accuracy by providing mechanical reference points while adding minimal complexity through a simple engagement geometry.
4Ease of operation
If a manual actuator is used to rotate the gear, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the initial driving torque to engage the gear, enables controlled rotation for positioning the clamping ring, and can be used to adjust the locking force during installation. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while minimizing added complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single user interface.
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 solution provides a reliable and user-friendly method to securely fasten and seal the electric meter cover, ensuring a tight attachment while allowing for easy installation and adjustment, enhancing the locking mechanism's efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The gear mechanism includes a rack that projects longitudinally from the first end portion of the ring into and through the gear housing in meshing engagement with the pinion
Data Source
AI summary
An electric meter housing and a cover have adjacent circular flanges reaching circumferentially about a cover axis. A clamping ring has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a cross-section configured for the ring to take an installed position fitted radially over the adjacent circular flanges. A gear moves the first end portion of the clamping ring circumferentially relative to the second end portion upon rotation of the gear. A manual actuator rotates the gear upon rotation of the actuator about an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the cover axis when the clamping ring is in the installed position. The gear is movable axially into and out of a blocked position in which a stop member blocks rotation of the gear. The actuator is interconnected with the gear to move the gear rotationally and axially relative to the stop member.