Lateral Push Locking Mechanism for Electrical Apparatus Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical apparatuses with locking devices for attachment rails are not intuitive to use, particularly when space is limited, as they require pulling a maneuvering portion towards the front, increasing the risk of incorrect maneuver and damage.
Innovation Solution
The locking device is integrated into the casing with a maneuvering portion protruding laterally, allowing the tab to be moved to the unlocked position by pushing towards the rear, improving ergonomics and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device requires pulling the maneuvering portion toward the front to lock the apparatus, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and increases the risk of incorrect maneuver and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional operation direction by making the locking action occur when pushing the maneuvering portion toward the back (opposite to conventional pull-to-lock mechanisms). This inversion makes the operation more intuitive since pushing toward the back naturally engages the locking position, reducing the risk of incorrect maneuver while maintaining reliable locking functionality
2Ease of operation
If the maneuvering portion is positioned to be pulled toward the front for locking, then the locking mechanism functions, but the operation becomes inconvenient when space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the operation direction to push toward the back instead of pulling toward the front, the patent reduces the space required for maneuvering. The pushing motion requires less clearance compared to pulling motions, making the device more convenient to operate in limited space while maintaining the full locking functionality
3Productivity
If the locking device is integrated into the casing as a single piece, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking device with the casing into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This combining of functions into one piece significantly improves manufacturing efficiency and productivity while the integrated design itself manages the structural complexity through unified construction
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
This configuration simplifies and makes the locking mechanism more intuitive to operate, reducing the risk of damage and improving manufacturing efficiency by being a single piece with the casing.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient blade connected to the tab and to the main part of the casing and suitable for exerting a resilient return force on the tab, by returning the tab from the unlocked position to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical apparatus including a locking device for locking on an attachment rail, including a tab that is moveable along a first axis between a locking position and an unlocking position, a deformable blade which connects the tab to a central portion of the casing and which exerts a resilient return force on the tab, the tab including a locking member arranged in a side face of the tab projecting along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the electrical apparatus comprising, on an inner face of the cover, a housing, the locking member being movable between a retained position inside the housing and a released position outside the housing.