Lock Pin Assembly for Secure Panel Board Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current panel board devices rely on friction-based couplings, which are not always secure, and are limited in compatibility with various device sizes and shapes, making it difficult to securely mount devices within the panel board housing assembly.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly featuring a lock pin assembly with a biasing device that rotates between unlocked and locked positions, engaging a panel board back plate mounting tab to securely lock the device in place, compatible with existing panel boards and housing assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a friction-based coupling is used to attach the panel board device to the conductive member, then the device can be easily installed, but the coupling is not always secure
Solution Approach 1:
A lock pin assembly acts as an intermediary component between the panel board device and the mounting tab. The lock pin includes a lock pin body that rotates within a mounting passage and a radial extension that engages with the mounting tab, providing a secure mechanical connection that supplements the friction-based coupling between the spring clip and stab.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin assembly introduces dynamic elements including a rotatable lock pin body that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and a biasing device that provides dynamic force to maintain engagement. This allows the coupling to transition from a static friction-based connection to a dynamic mechanically-locked connection that maintains security while allowing for installation and removal operations.
2Device complexity
If the panel board device is directly coupled to a stab, then the coupling is simple, but it is limited in compatibility with various device sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin assembly provides a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various device sizes and shapes. The mounting passage in the device body and the engaging relationship between the radial extension and mounting tab create a standardized coupling mechanism that works across different device configurations, while still maintaining the simple spring clip-to-stab electrical connection for compatibility with existing panel boards.
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 locking assembly provides a secure and easy-release mechanism for mounting panel board devices, ensuring stability and compatibility with diverse device configurations within the panel board housing.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing device engages the panel board back plate mounting tab thereby coupling the radial extension and the panel board back plate mounting tab in a secure manner
Data Source
AI summary
A lock pin assembly is provided. The lock pin assembly is structured to coupled a panel board device to a panel board. The panel board device includes a body defining a number of mounting passages. The lock pin assembly includes an elongated body, a first radial extension, and, in an exemplary embodiment, a biasing device. The lock pin body is rotatably disposed in the panel board device mounting passage. The lock pin body is moved between an unlocked, first radial position, wherein said first radial extension does not engage a panel board back plate mounting tab, and a locked, second radial position, wherein said first radial extension engages a panel board back plate mounting tab.