Modular Meter Base Assembly With Interlocking Key And Keyhole Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electricity meter designs require multiple meter bases to accommodate different electrical energy distribution systems, leading to design compromises and increased costs due to the need for a common meter base with universal dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A modular meter base assembly comprising a universal base and a forms module, where the universal base supports multiple meter forms through interlocking key and keyhole slots, and the forms module provides specific mechanical features for each meter form, allowing for customized designs without external fasteners and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common meter base design with universal dimensions is used to support multiple meter forms, then economy and standardization are improved, but design compromises and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meter base assembly is divided into two independent modules: a universal base that provides common support and mounting features, and a forms module that contains form-specific mechanical features. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal base is designed with standardized dimensions and features that can support multiple meter forms, eliminating the need for different base designs for each form while maintaining adaptability through the interchangeable forms module.
2Ease of manufacture
If a customized meter base design is created for each meter form, then performance optimization and cost reduction are improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the common base structure from the form-specific features into distinct modules, manufacturers can optimize and manufacture each module independently for its specific application, then combine them to create the complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The forms module is designed to be installed within or upon the universal base, with the forms module containing the specific mechanical features needed for each meter form while the universal base provides the foundational support structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal meter base with features to support multiple meter forms is used, then adaptability is improved, but assembly errors and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forms module incorporates asymmetric keyhole slots that correspond to asymmetric keys on the universal base, creating a unique geometric relationship that ensures proper orientation and eliminates assembly errors through mechanical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking key and keyhole slot features provide self-alignment and self-verification during assembly, allowing the components to guide themselves into the correct position without requiring external alignment tools or procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved meter base assembly supports the various meter forms used in modern electrical energy distribution systems. The disclosed assembly combines a customized design for each meter form with a universal base used in a plurality of meter forms to create a meter base assembly that is optimized for best performance while maintaining a reduced part cost. In addition, the concept allows the meter terminals to be attached to the meter base assembly without any hardware, may reduce assembly errors, allows for simplified assembly that may be automated, and speeds up the creation of future meter designs.