Pluggable Equipment Combination With Segmented Locking Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pluggable device combinations lack a fail-safe, easy-to-implement snap connection mechanism that is user-friendly and efficient.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable device combination featuring a device base and plug-in module with a locking arm and pivot point, where the locking arm's web-like connection point is located on the module housing, forming a pivoting section and actuating section, allowing for a secure and easy release of the locking connection, and incorporating coding elements for secure compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a locking arm with pivot point is used to create a snap connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of releaseVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is segmented into two functional sections: a pivoting section between the pivot point and locking hook, and an actuating section between the pivot point and housing-side connection. This segmentation allows the locking and actuating functions to be independently optimized, enabling easy release operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arm incorporates a pivot point that allows dynamic movement between locked and unlocked positions. The pivoting section can rotate around the pivot point when force is applied to the actuating section, providing dynamic release functionality. This dynamic mechanism achieves easy operation without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If coding elements are integrated into the plug-in module, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule compatibilityVSAvoidcoding element precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coding elements are merged with the plug-in pockets in a single integrated structure on the module housing. The coding elements protrude from the pocket bottoms and are formed as integral parts of the molding, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing precision requirements while ensuring reliable compatibility coding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coding elements automatically perform the compatibility verification function when the module is inserted into the device base. The hollow coding pins in the base engage with the coding elements during the plugging process, providing self-verifying compatibility checking without requiring additional active components or complex manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2780984B1Pluggable equipment combination
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBH
  • EP2780984B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2780984B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2780984B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The pluggable equipment combination (1) has a plug module (2) and an equipment socket (3) having a latching connection (6), wherein a rotation point (12) is formed on the plug module (2) between an attachment on the housing side (11) for a latching arm (8) and the latching catch (8a) of said latching arm, wherein a pivoting section (8c) is formed between the rotation point (12) and the latching catch (8a) and an actuating section (8d) for exerting pressure (F) is formed between the rotation point (12) and the attachment on the housing side (11) for a latching arm (8), such that the pivoting section (8c) of the latching arm (8) pivots outwards about the rotation point (12) and the latching catch (8a) is released from the mating latch (10, 10b).