Plug-in Module Hinge Joint for Secure Surge Protection Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection devices with U-shaped lower parts and plug-in modules face issues with secure latching and easy removal under surge current conditions, as the prior art's small pressure surfaces and parallel latching surfaces lead to accidental disengagement due to shock or vibration, and require large pressure paths for module release.
Innovation Solution
The design features a hinge joint located in the transition area between the top and end face of the plug-in module, with a larger actuating surface, a hook-shaped latching lug forming an angle less than 90°, and a hook-shaped undercut locking recess, allowing for easy pressure force generation and self-locking, along with conical face sections for easier insertion and a weakened pivot point for improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hinge joint is located on the lower part of the plug-in module with small pressure surfaces, then the latching connection can be made, but the pressure path becomes very large and the module requires heavy gripping for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint is inverted from the conventional lower part location to the top area of the plug-in module. This inversion allows the actuating surface to be positioned at the top where users can easily apply force, eliminating the need for heavy gripping and long pressure paths while maintaining secure latching through the hook-shaped detent engagement.
2Device complexity
If the latching surfaces run parallel to each other, then the latching mechanism is simple, but the latching can be accidentally canceled under shock or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The latching surfaces are designed with asymmetric geometry where the detent engages in an undercut locking recess, creating a self-locking mechanism. The detent features a latching surface that slopes toward the locked position, while the recess has a perpendicular bottom surface, preventing accidental disengagement under shock or vibration while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure surface is made larger for easier actuation, then the pressure path increases requiring more space, but compact design is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating surface is positioned on the top area of the plug-in module, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This allows a large actuating surface to be provided without increasing the base part area, as the surface extends upward and outward from the top of the module where space is available.
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
This design enhances secure latching and easy removal of the plug-in module by reducing the pressure path required for unlocking and providing a self-locking mechanism, ensuring reliable operation under surge currents and facilitating handling and insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge joint 1 is located in the area of the top 2 of the plug-in module 14. The actuating surface 5 merges into the hinge joint 1. The actuating surface 5 is designed to be extended in comparison to the prior art. A hook-shaped latching lug 6 is formed at the lower end of the actuating surface 5.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pluggable device combination for protection against surges, comprising a socket-like U-shaped lower part for accommodating at least one plug-type module (14) accommodating a surge protection element, wherein latching means acting between the plug-type module (14) and the socket-like lower part are provided which comprise, on opposite end sides (3) of the plug-type module (14), latching tabs which are formed on a hinge joint (1) under pre-stress and each engage in an associated latching cutout on the plug-type module (14), wherein the latching connection can be released by pressure being applied to the hinge joint (1) on the end sides (3) of the plug-type module. According to the invention, the respective hinge joint (1) is located in the transition region between the upper side and the respective end side (3) of the plug-type module (14), wherein the hinge joint merges with an actuating face (5) pointing towards the socket-like lower part. Formed on the lower end of the actuating face (5) is a hook-shaped latching tab (6), whose latching face (7) encloses an angle of less than 90° with the actuating face (5). Finally, the U limbs of the lower part each have a hook-shaped, recessed latching cutout (8), which is designed to be substantially complementary to the latching tab.