Hinged Terminal Cover With Interlocking Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting structures for electrical terminal covers lack a reliable locking mechanism in the open position, requiring additional components or complex assembly, and fail to provide secure protection against environmental elements while allowing easy access.
Innovation Solution
A hinged cover system with a stator and rotor structure featuring coaxial lock-forming surfaces and a bearing system, allowing angular movement between open and closed positions with locking functionality in at least the open position, integrated into a molded plastic container and terminal cover, respectively, without requiring additional parts or expensive assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap-in cover is used, then easy access is provided, but the cover is easily separated and lacks secure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge structure with lock-forming surfaces directly into the cover and mounting structure, merging the hinge function and locking function into a single integrated component without requiring separate locking parts
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular movement between open and closed positions, provides locking in both positions through complemental lock-forming surfaces, and eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If a hinged cover with locking is used, then secure locking is provided, but additional parts and complex assembly are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-forming surfaces are formed as integral parts of the hinge structure itself, merging the locking mechanism with the hinge rather than requiring separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The complemental lock-forming surfaces on the hinge and mounting structure automatically engage to provide locking in both open and closed positions without requiring additional locking parts or complex assembly operations
3Reliability
If a hinged cover with locking is used, then secure locking is provided, but expensive hand assembly operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking surfaces are formed as integral molded features of the hinge and mounting structure, allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured and assembled in a single automated process without expensive hand assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The complemental lock-forming surfaces automatically engage during assembly to provide locking in both positions without requiring manual intervention or complex assembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
A bussed electrical center (BEC) has a lateral appendage for a positive battery terminal to be used for jump starting purposes. A cover for the terminal is hingedly attached to the lateral appendage of the BEC by way of a relatively rotatable axle and bearing combination as well as facially abutting complemental locking surfaces each having alternatively raised and unraised sectors which interfit in each of two locking positions 180 degrees apart so that the cover can be locked fully open or fully closed.