Junction Box Cover Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covers for electric junction boxes, such as those described in Patent Document 1, fail to easily release the locked state during intended removal operations while maintaining the holding force in the locked state.
Innovation Solution
A cover design featuring a top wall, first and second side walls, and a lock releasing portion with a finger abutting portion and connecting portion, where the opposed locking portions are aligned on the same straight line, allowing for efficient release by applying stress to the lock releasing portion, which decomposes into rotational forces to detach the cover from the fuse unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible locking piece with finger hooking projection is used, then the cover can be removed by pulling upward, but the locking piece does not rotate from the base end and the engagement state cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking portions (first locking portion on one side wall, second locking portion on the other side wall) instead of using a single flexible locking piece. This segmentation allows each locking portion to be independently engaged and released, solving the problem where the entire locking piece fails to rotate and release engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions are positioned on opposite side walls rather than using a single-point flexible mechanism. This spatial distribution creates a more stable locking structure that can be reliably released by applying force to the lock releasing portion, which connects to and rotates the locking portions about their respective rotation axes.
2Strength
If locking portions are positioned on side walls, then the cover maintains holding force in locked state, but the lock releasing portion may twist or accumulate forces during release operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock releasing portion is designed with an asymmetric structure where it connects to the first locking portion and the first side wall, allowing rotational movement about a specific axis. This asymmetric design enables the locking portions to rotate smoothly during release without twisting or accumulating forces, while the locking portions maintain strong engagement with the locked portions on the covered body.
3Ease of operation
If the lock releasing portion connects to the first side wall around the locking portion, then release operation can be performed, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock releasing portion is integrated with the cover body structure, merging the release mechanism with the existing side wall and locking portion design. This integration allows the lock releasing portion to connect to the first side wall around the locking portion without adding excessive complexity, as the connection leverages the existing structural elements of the cover.
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 easy release of the locked state during intended removal while maintaining the holding force in the locked state, facilitating efficient detachment without twisting or accumulating forces, thus preventing breakage and ensuring secure finger access for operation.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting portion connecting the release operation portion with the first side wall around the locking portion, or the release operation portion with the locking portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cover includes a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall facing the first side wall, and a lock releasing portion. The first side wall includes a locking portion engageable with a locked portion of a covered body. The second side wall includes an opposed locking portion engageable with an opposed locked portion of the covered body. The lock releasing portion includes: a release operation portion inclined and projecting from the top wall in a cover mounting direction; and a connecting portion connecting the release operation portion with the first side wall around the locking portion or the release operation portion with the locking portion.