Module Connection Structure with Movable Fixing Member Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

In module connection structures, especially in explosion-proof areas, there is a risk of fixing members such as screws or pins falling and being lost during demounting, which can compromise the reliability of connections and potentially affect the functionality of measuring instruments.

Innovation Solution

A module connection structure where fixing members like movable pins and fastening screws are designed to be held by specific holders at an unfixed position, preventing them from falling, and are securely inserted into corresponding holes and protrusions to maintain connection reliability, with features like different fitting widths and restraints to prevent reverse mounting and ensure accurate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixing members are made detachable for module replacement, then module adaptability is improved, but fixing members may fall and be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule replacement capabilityVSAvoidfixing member retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing members (screws and pins) are nested within dedicated holding structures integrated into the module housings. When modules are disconnected, the fixing members remain contained within recesses or cavities in the housing rather than being exposed, preventing loss while maintaining the ability to be removed for module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structures are pre-configured with fixing member holding features (recesses, cavities, guide structures) before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when fixing members are removed during module replacement, they are automatically guided into and retained by the holding structures, preventing loss without requiring additional active retention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If fixing members are securely retained during demounting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing member retentionVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member holding structures are merged with the existing module housing components rather than being separate add-on parts. The housing itself serves dual purposes: structural enclosure and fixing member retention, eliminating the need for separate holder components and minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structures provide self-contained fixing member retention through integrated recesses and guide features. The fixing members are retained by the housing structures themselves without requiring external retention mechanisms or additional components, making the system self-sufficient and minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3647740B1Module connection structure and measuring instrument

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

A module connection structure includes a first module, a second module connected to the first module via connectors, and fixing members that fix the second module to the first module. The fixing members are movable between a fixed position at which the second module is inseparable from the first module and an unfixed position at which the second module is separable from the first module. At least one of the first module and the second module has fixing member holders that hold the fixing members located at least at the unfixed position.