Interchangeable Meter Jaw Assembly with Cross Locking Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meter socket devices face issues with weak electrical connections due to high current density and limited contact surface area, leading to damage during power surges, and misalignment of meter jaws causing reliability and installation problems.
Innovation Solution
A meter socket device with interchangeable, fastenerless meter jaw assemblies that include an insulating guide and a mounting plate for precise alignment, allowing for easy replacement and retention of meter jaw assemblies, and a method for locking and unlocking these assemblies using a cross locking tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring tempered copper meter jaws are mounted on meter sockets to receive plug-in watt-hour meters, then electrical connection is established, but the contact surface area is limited and current density is high causing weak electrical connections prone to damage during power surges
Solution Approach 1:
The meter jaw assembly is divided into modular components including the meter jaw, mounting plate, and insulating guide that can be independently replaced. The mounting plate with receiving slots separates the jaw assembly from the socket base, allowing targeted replacement of damaged jaws without replacing the entire socket device.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter jaw assembly combines different materials to optimize performance: spring tempered copper for the meter jaw to handle high current density, insulating material for the guide to prevent electrical contact, and metal for the mounting plate providing structural support while enabling precise alignment.
2Productivity
If traditional meter sockets require replacing the whole meter box device when a meter jaw assembly is damaged, then complete replacement ensures functionality, but it is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The meter socket device is segmented into replaceable jaw assemblies that can be independently serviced. The mounting plate design with receiving slots allows individual jaw assemblies to be removed and replaced without affecting other components, enabling rapid field replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter jaw assembly is extracted as a separate replaceable unit from the meter socket base. The cross locking tab mechanism allows the jaw assembly to be easily removed by releasing the locking feature, and the receiving slot guides proper reinstallation, simplifying the replacement process to basic insertion and locking actions.
3Ease of manufacture
If meter jaws are fabricated and assembled with multiple components, then assembly is possible, but tolerance built-up causes meter jaw misalignment leading to service and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating guide acts as an intermediary component between the meter jaw and the mounting plate. It provides precise positioning features that guide the meter jaw into correct alignment during installation, compensating for tolerance accumulation in the fabricated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-formed with receiving slots that establish the correct position and orientation for the meter jaw assemblies before final assembly. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that when jaw assemblies are installed, they are automatically aligned correctly, preventing misalignment issues.
4Ease of operation
If meter jaw assemblies are made interchangeable and fastenerless, then replacement is simplified, but secure retention and precise alignment must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cross locking tab mechanism provides self-locking functionality where the jaw assembly secures itself to the mounting plate through the receiving slot without requiring external fasteners. The tab engages with the slot to prevent removal while allowing straightforward installation by sliding the assembly into place.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating guide serves as an intermediary that provides both alignment features for precise positioning and structural support for secure retention. It mediates between the need for easy replacement and the requirement for secure, aligned installation without fasteners.
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 solution provides a robust and reliable electrical connection by enabling easy replacement of meter jaw assemblies, reducing damage from power surges and ensuring precise alignment, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of meter socket devices.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded receptacle-like jaw to receive and contact the watt-hour meter blade insertion. The meter jaw and spring provide enough force to press meter blade and conduct electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a meter socket assembly for a watt-hour meter with removable and changeable meter jaws. The meter socket assembly comprises a meter base, at least one meter jaw assembly with two optional 5th terminal provisions. The assemblies are snapped on to the meter base and locked into the meter base. Any meter jaw assembly in the meter socket device is able to be removed or changed by simply loosening a connection nut and then releasing the meter jaw assembly by pressing a cross locking tab. The meter base, mounted to enclosure of a meter socket device or a meter socket module, is also changeable. The meter socket device is suitable for a meter socket with line and load busing connections, especially modular metering devices.