Electrical Junction Box Locking Structure for Stronger Component Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical junction boxes have weak fixing strength due to reliance on terminals for component attachment, limiting the reliability of connections and restricting the use of existing blocks without locking portions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating first, second, third, and fourth locking portions on the electronic component, block, and case respectively, allowing for enhanced fixing strength without requiring existing blocks to have a locking portion for the component main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electronic component is fixed to the block only by means of the terminal connected to the mating terminal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fixing strength is weak and the reliability of connection is low
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking portions: a first locking portion on the electronic component, a second locking portion on the block, and third and fourth locking portions on the case. This segmentation allows each locking portion to independently contribute to fixing strength while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions are nested within the existing block and case structures. The first locking portion of the electronic component engages with the third locking portion of the case, while the second locking portion of the block engages with the fourth locking portion of the case, creating a nested locking system that integrates seamlessly into the existing design
2Strength
If a locking portion is provided in the block to lock a component main body, then the fixing strength is increased, but existing blocks without such locking portion cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the block to add a locking portion, the invention inverts the approach by providing the locking portions directly on the case. The third locking portion on the case engages with the first locking portion on the electronic component, and the fourth locking portion on the case engages with the second locking portion on the block, allowing existing blocks without locking portions to be used while still achieving strong fixing
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions: it accommodates both the electronic component and the block, and simultaneously provides locking mechanisms (third and fourth locking portions) that work with both components. This multi-functionality allows the same case design to universally accommodate existing blocks without requiring block modifications
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical junction box includes an electronic component including a component main body and a terminal protruding from the component main body, a block including a mating terminal configured to be connected to the terminal and a block main body configured to accommodate the mating terminal and a case having a box shape and configured to accommodate the electronic component and the block. The component main body of the electronic component is provided with a first locking portion. The block is provided with a second locking portion. The case is provided with a third locking portion configured to be engaged with the first locking portion and a fourth locking portion configured to be engaged with the second locking portion.