Electric Junction Box Dual-Direction Fuse Holder Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric junction boxes require separate frames for accommodating fuse holders inserted from different directions, leading to increased costs due to the need for multiple locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An electric junction box design with a tubular frame having both first and second openings, equipped with first and second locking portions that allow the fuse holder to be locked from either opening, eliminating the need for separate frames by using inclined locking protrusions and arms for secure insertion and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate frames are prepared for inserting FL holder from above and from below, then the FL holder can be accommodated in both directions, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection of FL holder insertionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single accommodation portion is designed with dual locking mechanisms (first locking portion for top insertion, second locking portion for bottom insertion) that allow the same component to serve multiple functions - accommodating FL holders inserted from either direction, thereby eliminating the need for separate frames for each insertion direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of two separate frames (one for top insertion, one for bottom insertion) into a single frame structure with an accommodation portion that contains both locking mechanisms, reducing the total number of components and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11677225B2Electric junction box and assembling method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

In an electric junction box, both first locking portions and second locking portions are provided in one accommodation portion. The first locking portions are capable of locking an FL holder when the FL holder is inserted from an upper opening toward a lower opening. The second locking portions are capable of locking an FL holder when the FL holder is inserted from the lower opening toward the upper opening. Accordingly, the FL holders can be inserted into the same accommodation portion from the upper opening and the lower opening.