Integrated Cover Member for Connector Bolt Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device connectors for electrical devices, such as inverter connectors in vehicles, require multiple components, including separate bolt caps, which increase assembly time and complexity, and can lead to errors in securing the fastening bolt.
Innovation Solution
A cover member with a main body and integrally formed bolt covering that reduces the number of components by attaching directly to the connector main body, incorporating a cylindrical covering, fixing member, and optionally a slit or tab for easy tool access, thereby eliminating the need for separate bolt caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate bolt cap is used to cover the fastening bolt, then the bolt head is concealed and security is improved, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt cap and main body covering into a single integrated cover member. The cover member includes a main body covering portion that covers the connector main body and a bolt covering portion that covers the bolt head, with these portions formed as one integral structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate bolt cap and main body covering components, reducing component count while maintaining the security function of concealing the bolt head.
2Reliability
If a separate bolt cap is used to cover the fastening bolt, then the bolt head is concealed and security is improved, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cover member combines the main body covering and bolt covering functions into a single component that is attached in one assembly operation. The cover member is fixed to the connector main body using a fixing member, and this single attachment process simultaneously positions both the main body covering and bolt covering portions, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for each component.
3Reliability
If a separate bolt cap is used, then the bolt head is concealed, but tool access for tightening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt covering portion includes a slit formed beforehand that provides access for tool insertion. This preliminary feature is built into the structure of the integrated cover member, allowing a tool to be inserted through the slit to tighten or loosen the bolt head while the cover member remains in place. The slit is positioned and sized to enable adequate tool access while maintaining the concealing function of the bolt covering.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the main body covering and bolt covering into a single cover member structure. The fixing member is used to attach this integrated cover member to the connector main body. This merging approach maintains design flexibility while simplifying assembly to a single attachment operation, reducing the complexity associated with coordinating multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover that includes a main body covering to be attached to a connector main body including an insertion hole through which a bolt for attaching to a device can be inserted; and a bolt covering that is formed integrally with the main body covering and is for covering a head of the bolt inserted through the insertion hole, wherein: the main body covering includes: a cylindrical covering for covering the connector main body; and a fixing member for fixing the covering in a fastened state to the connector main body, the bolt covering is formed so as to extend outward in a radial direction of the covering from an outer circumferential surface of the covering, and the bolt covering is an integral product made of elastic synthetic resin that is formed integrally with the covering.