Mono-block Meter Socket Base Assembly Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meter sockets require numerous components and fasteners, leading to complex assembly, potential damage from torque forces, reduced conductivity due to connector design, and increased temperature, necessitating a simpler, more efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A meter socket base assembly with a mono-block design using fewer components, non-conductive materials, and a connector system that allows 45° or 90° orientations without screws, featuring a spacer to absorb torque and maintain connector integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional meter socket design with multiple components and fasteners is used, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (mounting blocks, support blocks, connectors, fasteners) into a single integrated mono-block structure with molded-in features. This merging eliminates the need for assembly fasteners and reduces component count while maintaining structural stability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mono-block design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mounting block functionality, support block functionality, connector mounting, and structural support all in one piece. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connector design with screws and fasteners is used, then connector stability is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mounting features are molded directly into the mono-block structure, combining the connector support and mounting functions into the main body. This eliminates separate fasteners and reduces assembly steps while maintaining connector stability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector mounting features are pre-formed during the mono-block manufacturing process rather than requiring post-assembly fastening operations. This preliminary action of creating mounting interfaces during molding eliminates subsequent assembly steps and reduces overall assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If rectangular spacers are used to receive meter jaw assemblies, then ease of assembly is improved, but torque forces cause connector movement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rectangular spacers with circular spacers that receive the meter jaw assemblies. The circular geometry provides uniform stress distribution around the jaw assembly, preventing the connector from moving or rotating under torque forces while maintaining ease of assembly through the simple circular insertion feature.
4Ease of operation
If connectors with multiple holes are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but conductivity is reduced and temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary holes from the connector design, extracting only the essential mounting holes needed for installation. This reduction in hole count maintains ease of assembly while preserving electrical conductivity by keeping the connector body material intact and minimizing interruptions to current flow paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter socket base assembly including a mounting block, one or more connectors, one or more meter jaws and, optionally, one or more support blocks. The mounting block has first and second ends, first and second sides, a top, a bottom and a longitudinal axis between the first and second ends and includes a base, first and second walls defining a channel and, optionally, first and second coupling mechanisms. Recessed portions and indentations on the top of the side walls receive connectors at different orientations. Coupling mechanisms can be formed on the exterior sides of the mounting block for attaching support blocks. The meter jaws are attached to the top of the side walls and configured to receive the blade contacts of watthour meters.