Plastic LED Mounting Base with Integral Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator light mounting bases with metallic elastic pieces increase assembly complexity and manufacturing costs due to added components.
Innovation Solution
A plastic-bodied base with integral latching lugs and snap tabs for holding female connection contacts, and latching tongues for fixing parts, reducing the number of assembly operations and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic elastic pieces are used to hold contacts in passages, then the contacts are securely maintained, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the contact holding function directly into the molded plastic body by forming latching lugs and end stops as integral parts of the base structure. This merging of the holding function into the existing body eliminates the need for separate metallic elastic pieces, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure contact retention through the molded latching features
2Reliability
If metallic elastic pieces are used to hold contacts, then the contacts are maintained in passages, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The holding features (latching lugs and end stops) are molded as integral parts of the plastic body in a single manufacturing operation. This eliminates the need for separate metallic elastic pieces that would require additional procurement, handling, and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable contact retention through the molded latching structure
Solution Approach 2:
The molded plastic body provides its own contact holding capability through integrated latching lugs and end stops, eliminating the need for external metallic elastic pieces. The structure is self-sufficient, performing both the structural and contact-retention functions without requiring additional specialized components
3Reliability
If multiple separate components (metallic elastic pieces, contacts, pins) are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the number of assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the molded plastic body structure: the latching lugs provide contact retention, the end stops define contact positioning, and the overall structure provides mechanical support and electrical connection pathways. This integration reduces the number of discrete assembly operations required compared to assembling separate metallic elastic pieces, contacts, and mounting structures
Data Source
AI summary
This mounting base for an electrical device comprises a two-part body (3) that is mounted one on top of the other, female connection contacts (14) arranged in passages (13) provided in the body and intended to cooperate with male connection pins of the device, and means (15) for retaining the female connection contacts (14) in the passages. The base is made of plastic, the retaining means (15) being formed from the same material as the body. The invention is applicable to the mounting of an indicator light.