Meter Socket Quick Change Mechanism with Resilient Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing meter socket assemblies are complex and difficult to assemble, repair, or replace due to numerous separate components and fasteners, which can be lost or damaged during the process, and require special tools for access, making quick changes and maintenance challenging.
Innovation Solution
A quick change mechanism for meter socket assemblies featuring a base member with integral channels and resilient protrusions that allow electrical bus members to be securely connected and disconnected without separate fasteners, providing support and resistance to rotation, and enabling easy adjustment between underground and overhead feed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners and components are used to secure electrical bus members and connectors, then the structural integrity and reliability of connections is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly/repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fasteners and securing components into a single integrated resilient protrusion element. The resilient protrusion is formed as one piece that simultaneously secures the electrical bus member and the electrical connector, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient protrusion serves multiple functions: it acts as a securing mechanism for the electrical bus member, provides electrical insulation, and maintains mechanical pressure for reliable electrical contact. This multi-functional element replaces several separate components, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring connection reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners and components are used to secure electrical bus members and connectors, then the structural integrity and reliability of connections is improved, but the time required for assembly and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple fastening functions into a single resilient protrusion element, the patent enables simultaneous installation of multiple connections in one action. The resilient nature of the protrusion allows for quick engagement and disengagement, dramatically reducing assembly and repair time while maintaining secure, reliable connections through its spring-loaded contact pressure.
3Ease of operation
If resilient protrusions are used to secure electrical connectors, then the ease of operation and quick change capability is improved, but the force required to maintain secure connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the resilient protrusion to dynamically adjust the securing force. The protrusion is designed with specific material and geometric parameters that allow it to exert sufficient holding force in the engaged state while permitting easy release when force is applied. This parameter optimization enables quick change capability without compromising the securing force needed for reliable operation.
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
Facilitates rapid and easy connection/disconnection of electrical connectors and bus members, reducing the need for multiple fasteners and tools, enhancing maintenance efficiency and preventing undesired rotation, while maintaining structural integrity and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
resilient protrusions extending outwardly from the receiving portion of the quick change mechanism. Each of the resilient protrusions is structured to be operable between an undeflected position corresponding to the resilient protrusion securing a corresponding one of the at least one electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A quick change mechanism is provided for a meter socket assembly including a base member structured to be coupled to a meter, a number of electrical bus members extending outwardly from the base member, and at least one electrical connector electrically connectable to a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. The quick change mechanism includes a foundation and a receiving portion disposed generally opposite and distal from the foundation and including a number of apertures. Each aperture receives a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. Resilient protrusions extend outwardly from the receiving portion and are operable between an undeflected position in which the resilient protrusion secures the electrical connector on such electrical bus member, and a deflected position in which the resilient protrusion is deflected away from the electrical connector in order that the electrical connector is removable from such electrical bus member.