Insert Holder Assembly With Dual Housing for Secure Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting parts face issues such as insert loss during handling, precise dimensioning requirements, limited pullout force, and risk of projection breakage due to high mechanical stress, especially when made of plastic with metallic inserts.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a holder with a second housing accessible from a different direction than insertion, featuring protrusions for robust locking and a divider to prevent movement, allowing easy assembly without complex tools and ensuring secure attachment against significant forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an insert is merely inserted into a through-hole of a fixing connector, then the assembly is simple and cost-effective, but the insert can be lost during handling and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assemblyVSAvoidretention of insert
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The through-hole is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion serving as the insertion path and a second portion serving as the retention chamber. This segmentation allows the insert to be easily inserted while preventing it from falling out, as the second portion is not accessible from the outside once the insert is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-dimensional through-hole to a two-dimensional structure with distinct first and second portions. The insert is inserted through the first portion in one direction but is retained by the second portion which is not accessible from the outside, effectively using dimensional differentiation to solve the retention problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the insert is precisely dimensioned to fit the through-hole, then the fixing is reliable, but the insertion becomes difficult if too large or risky if too small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first portion of the through-hole is designed with dimensions that facilitate easy insertion of the insert, while the second portion is designed with dimensions that ensure reliable retention. This local differentiation of dimensional qualities allows the insert to be both easily inserted and securely fixed without requiring precise overall dimensioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a projection is used to engage the insert, then the insert can be locked in place, but the projection may break under high mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidresistance to breakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic projection is completely removed from the design. Instead of using a projection that extends outward and is susceptible to breakage, the solution uses a blind hole structure where the second portion is not accessible from the outside, eliminating the need for protruding engagement features that could break under stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the projection extends entirely outward from the inner wall, then engagement is possible, but the risk of breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the engagement feature outward from the wall (projection), the solution inverts the approach by creating a recessive feature (blind hole second portion) that is not accessible from the outside. This inversion eliminates the structural weakness of protruding elements while maintaining engagement capability through the confined second portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3904705B1Holder for insert and assembly comprising the holder and insert
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 HELLERMANNTYTON SAS
  • EP3904705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3904705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3904705B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A holder (10) for an insert (20), comprising : - a first housing (11) for receiving the insert (20), the first housing (11) extending within a plane (P) of the holder (10), - an opening (13) for inserting, substantially perpendicularly to said plane (P), the insert (20) into the first housing (11), and - a second housing (12) for receiving said insert (20), the second housing (12) being in communication with the first housing (11), characterized in that the second housing (12) extends within the plane (P) of the holder (10) and is configured to prevent movement of the insert (20) out of the holder (10), in directions perpendicular to the plane (P).