Grounding Terminal With Anti-Rotational Locking Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal devices for grounding DC electrical components in vehicles, such as car radios, tend to detach from metal surfaces due to engine vibrations, requiring more expensive and complex designs to prevent this issue.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a crimped passageway for securing the ground wire and a locking screw mechanism that uses sheet metal screws to securely attach to a metal surface, preventing detachment from vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet metal screw is used to affix the ground terminal to the vehicle chassis, then the terminal can be easily installed, but the terminal detaches from the metal surface due to engine vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device is segmented into a body portion and a flange portion that can be bent to different configurations. This segmentation allows the flange to be positioned optimally for vibration resistance while keeping the installation process simple, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and grounding stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device includes pre-formed features such as the flange portion and positioning elements that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary structural preparations enable the terminal to resist vibrations effectively while maintaining simple installation procedures, as the anti-vibration features are already in place before installation.
2Reliability
If a more complex terminal design is used to prevent detachment, then grounding connection stability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device merges the body portion and flange portion into a single integrated structure that can be formed from a single piece of conductive material. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly processes, reducing manufacturing costs while providing the structural features needed for vibration resistance and reliable grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device utilizes parameter changes in the form of bending the flange portion to different angles and positions to achieve optimal vibration resistance. This simple geometric parameter adjustment provides enhanced reliability without requiring complex designs or additional manufacturing steps, keeping production costs low.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simpler terminal design is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the terminal detaches due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device extends into another dimension by incorporating a flange portion that bends perpendicular to the main body. This dimensional extension creates a broader base of support that resists vibrations effectively, providing enhanced reliability while maintaining simplicity in the overall design and keeping manufacturing costs low.
4Manufacturing precision
If extensive training is required for installation, then proper installation quality improves, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device is designed to be self-aligning and self-explanatory, with features that guide the installer through the process naturally. The flange portion and body portion work together to automatically position the terminal correctly on the chassis, eliminating the need for extensive training while ensuring proper installation quality and reducing installation time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal device used in grounding direct current electrical components, such as audio amplifiers, having a metal contact plate provided with a first opening sized to receive a securing screw and having a second opening sized to receive a locking screw used to attach the terminal device to a metal member of another structure, wherein the first opening is positioned relative to the second opening so that with the securing screw attaching the metal contact plate to a grounding surface, the head of the locking screw will contact and apply anti-rotational forces against the head of the securing screw when the locking screw is also screwed into the grounding surface.