Metal Plate Fastening Structure for Self-Alignment and Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for devices require the use of jigs to fasten metal plates, which reduces work efficiency due to the need for attaching and detaching the jig, leading to poor alignment and potential co-rotation of terminals during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fastening structure of metal plates with a first metal plate having a protrusion and a second metal plate with a receiving portion, where the protrusion fits into the receiving portion, preventing rotation and allowing for direct alignment and fastening without a jig, using bolts that penetrate corresponding holes in both plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a jig is used to fasten the electric wire-side terminal and the connection terminal, then the alignment of mounting holes is improved, but the work efficiency is reduced due to the need to attach and detach the jig
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is designed with guide holes that directly receive the protrusions of the electric wire-side terminal, enabling self-alignment without requiring external jigs. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate alignment tools while maintaining precise hole alignment during fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide holes are pre-formed in the connection terminal with specific geometries that anticipate the protrusion shapes of the electric wire-side terminal. This preliminary preparation of alignment features ensures that when the terminals are brought together, the protrusions automatically fit into the guide holes, achieving alignment before the fastening process begins.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a jig is used to fasten the terminals, then co-rotation is restricted, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide holes and protrusions are designed with asymmetric geometries that allow insertion in only one orientation. The protrusions have specific shapes that match corresponding asymmetric guide hole features, creating a key-way like effect that prevents co-rotation during fastening while simplifying the overall assembly process by eliminating the need for separate anti-rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and anti-rotation functions are merged into a single integrated feature. The guide holes serve dual purposes: they guide the protrusions for precise alignment and simultaneously prevent co-rotation through their asymmetric geometry. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process.
3Productivity
If the mounting holes of electric wire-side terminals and connection terminals are aligned without a jig, then work efficiency is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal's guide holes are designed to actively engage with the protrusions of the electric wire-side terminal, creating a self-aligning mechanism. When the terminals are brought together during assembly, the protrusions automatically fit into the guide holes, ensuring precise alignment without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide holes act as intermediary features that mediate between the two terminals. These pre-formed holes with specific geometries serve as the interface that receives and positions the protrusions, ensuring accurate alignment. The guide holes translate the rough positioning of the terminals into precise alignment, bridging the gap between ease of assembly and alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening structure 100 of metal plates includes a first metal plate 2 including a first hole portion 2A, a second metal plate 3 including a second hole portion 3A, and a fastening material B1 fastened to penetrate the first hole portion and the second hole portion, with the first metal plate and the second metal plate overlapping each other, wherein the first metal plate is provided with protrusions 24, 24, the second metal plate is provided with receiving portions 31A, 31B in which the protrusions fit, and with the protrusions fitting in the receiving portions, the first metal plate is restricted from rotating with respect to the second metal plate.