Latching Hook Web Inclined Geometry for Vibration Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching devices for electrical assemblies on mounting rails are prone to damage and reduced resilience due to excessive force, leading to incomplete locking or failure to secure the assembly under vibration loads.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with an inclined latching hook web and limiting means, such as stop ribs and guide ribs, that restricts the mobility of the latching hook tab, ensuring the latching hook web remains elastic and prevents damage, even under excessive force, and maintains secure engagement with the mounting rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching hook web is made resilient to allow deflection during latching, then the assembly can be securely attached to the mounting rail, but excessive force can damage the latching hook web and reduce its resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the latching hook web by introducing an inclined section. This inclination angle is a critical parameter that allows the web to deflect in a controlled manner during latching while maintaining structural integrity. The inclined geometry transforms the deflection behavior, enabling the web to absorb latching forces without exceeding material strength limits, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.
2Ease of operation
If the latching hook is allowed to deflect freely to enable latching operation, then the assembly can be attached to the mounting rail, but the latching hook may be damaged or torn off under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing limiting means (such as guide ribs or stop surfaces) that preemptively restrict the deflection range of the latching hook. These limiting features are built into the structure beforehand to prevent excessive deflection that could lead to damage. The limiting means counteracts the potential harmful effect of uncontrolled deflection while still allowing sufficient movement for normal latching operation, thus protecting the reliability of the latching device.
3Reliability
If the latching hook web is made more resilient to handle vibration loads, then the assembly remains secure under vibration, but the latching hook web may break or lose elasticity under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the latching hook web, specifically introducing an inclined section with a defined angle. This parameter change optimizes the web's ability to handle vibration loads by distributing stresses more effectively during normal operation, enhancing vibration resistance. Simultaneously, the inclined geometry works with the limiting means to cap the maximum deflection, preventing the web from exceeding its elastic limit under excessive force, thus avoiding breakage or loss of elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the limiting means that are pre-integrated into the latching device structure. These limiting features (guide ribs, stop surfaces) act as protective elements that cushion against excessive force by physically restricting the maximum deflection of the latching hook web. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even under abnormal excessive force conditions, the web cannot be damaged, while under normal vibration conditions, the web maintains sufficient resilience for secure attachment.
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
The solution enhances the load-bearing capacity and resilience of the latching connection, preventing damage and ensuring secure attachment and detachment of the assembly, even under exceptional vibration loads and improper release attempts.
Implementation Method 1
the latching hook is articulated on a side surface of the assembly, usually the underside, by means of an elastically movable latching hook web
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking mechanism (20, 22) for an electrical assembly (10); said locking mechanism (20, 22) comprises a buckle (20) that is hinged to the assembly (10) by means of a flexible buckle connecting part (30), and a buckle bracket (32) that is used for deflecting the buckle (20); limiting means (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) restrict a mobility of the buckle bracket (32) when the buckle (20) is deflected. An assembly (10) comprising a locking mechanism (20, 22) of said type is also disclosed.