Hood Lifting Element and Spring Cam Mechanism for Electrical Installations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for installing electrical installations often have complex and difficult-to-release hood connections, particularly when disassembly is required, making it unsatisfactory to remove the hood from the lower part.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pin-like lifting element on the hood that engages with a spring cam on the lower part, allowing for secure closure and audible release when an assembly tool is used to push the lifting element upwards, facilitating easy detachment of the hood.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If snap-in connection or clamp connection is used to secure the hood to the lower part, then the hood can be firmly connected to the base, but the removal of the hood becomes difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of hood removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a spring cam mechanism that transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state. The spring cam is biased by a spring to engage with the lifting element, holding the hood firmly in place during normal operation. When force is applied to the lifting element, the spring cam can dynamically transition to a disengaged state, allowing easy hood removal. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between strong connection and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the spring cam in a locked engagement state with the lifting element. The spring is pre-compressed to maintain constant engagement pressure, ensuring the hood remains securely attached during installation and operation. The lifting element is pre-configured to interact with the spring cam, so that when removal is needed, the pre-loaded spring mechanism facilitates immediate and easy disengagement without requiring complex manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If complex latching means are used to secure the hood, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes very complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the latching mechanism into distinct functional components: a lifting element on the hood, a spring cam on the lower part, and a spring providing the biasing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the lifting element provides the engagement interface, the spring cam provides the locking action, and the spring provides the restoring force. This modular segmentation simplifies both assembly and disassembly compared to integrated complex latching systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spring as an intermediary element between the spring cam and the lifting element. This spring intermediary stores and releases mechanical energy, automatically maintaining engagement pressure and facilitating smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states. The spring acts as a mediator that absorbs shocks and provides consistent force, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable connection during assembly and easy release during disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables quick and simple detachment of the hood from the lower part using a screwdriver, with an audible click indicating release, making the electrical installation devices easily accessible.

Implementation Method 1

The spring cam is preferably elastic so that it can spring back to the original position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2590282B1Device for the installation of devices into electrical installations with integrated cover lock
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 TEHALIT
  • EP2590282B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2590282B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2590282B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a pin shaped-lifting element (4) formed with a strip shaped-locking element (5) at a hood (7), which seizes into or under a spring cam (6) formed at a base part (8). The hood and the base part are held together in the assembly state. The spring cam is provided in a shift position of lifting element caused by a stroke movement of the locking element in a transverse direction, where fastening of the hood is released by the base part. The lifting element of the hood is arranged in a chamber (3) formed at the base part.