Metal Hook Bracket for Electronic Device Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling mechanisms for electronic devices, such as HMI devices, are prone to breakage due to plastic materials, complicate the assembly process, and require two operators, leading to increased costs and extended assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism using a rigid metal hook-shaped bracket with stoppers and an auxiliary bracket-mounted portion, allowing single-operator installation and reducing assembly time by improving durability and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic hook-shaped bracket is used for coupling the electronic device to the outer casing, then the bracket can be easily manufactured, but the bracket is prone to bending or breaking during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to metal, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties including strength, hardness, and resistance to deformation. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing a bracket that is both manufacturable and resistant to bending or breaking during insertion into the mounting hole.
2Reliability
If the bracket is composed of 3 to 5 coupling parts such as springs, pins, and the like, then the bracket can achieve secure coupling, but the assembling process becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coupling parts (springs, pins, and other components) into a single integrated hook-shaped bracket made of metal. This unification maintains the secure coupling function while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple parts and reducing the overall cost of the bracket system.
3Reliability
If one operator must keep the electronic device inserted into the outer casing while another operator fixes it, then secure installation can be achieved, but the assembly time is extended and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining hook-shaped bracket enables the electronic device to be securely fixed by a single operator without requiring another operator to hold the device in place. The bracket's design allows it to automatically retain the device once inserted, eliminating the need for manual holding and significantly improving assembly speed and productivity.
4Ease of operation
If a hook-shaped bracket with multiple parts is used, then the coupling function can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling parts into a single integrated hook-shaped bracket, which simplifies the assembly process to a single insertion action. This eliminates the time required to assemble multiple parts and allows one operator to complete the installation quickly and efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling mechanism capable of pre-coupling an electronic device to an outer casing so that the outer casing and the electronic device are not separated from each other before the electronic device is completely mounted on the outer casing. According to the present disclosure, manufacturing the coupling mechanism for coupling the electronic device with a rigid material may allow the mechanism production cost to be reduced, and allow installation convenience of the device and durability of the mechanism to be improved. Further, improving the structure of the coupling mechanism may allow the electronic device to be installed by only one operator and may shorten the assembly time.