Quick Disconnect Display Meter Assembly with 360° Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field instrument display meters require time-consuming assembly processes involving rotational actions and fasteners, which increase complexity and do not allow for sufficient customization or 360° rotation with communication modules.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect display meter assembly featuring snap-fit locking features and 360° rotation capabilities, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without rotational actions or fasteners, using a display meter housing with snap-fit locking features and a communication module with receptacle tabs for 360° rotation, and a transmitter cap to secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotational action and fasteners are used to assemble the display meter with the communication module, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (rotational actions and fasteners) with a snap-fit mechanical interlocking system. The display meter housing includes protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the communication module housing, allowing for tool-free, quick assembly while maintaining secure connection. This substitution eliminates the need for rotational actions and fasteners, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the assembly into modular components: display meter housing, communication module housing, and a cap. Each component has specific engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that allow for easy assembly and disassembly. The cap segments the sealing function from the main assembly, providing weather protection without interfering with the quick-connect mechanism. This segmentation enables rapid assembly while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the assembly is secure, but the device complexity increases due to additional fasteners and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display meter housing and communication module housing into a single integrated assembly through complementary engagement features. The protrusions on the display meter housing and recesses on the communication module housing are designed to interlock directly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, mounting brackets, or additional hardware. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit engagement features are designed to self-align and self-lock when the display meter is connected to the communication module. The protrusions automatically engage with the recesses without requiring external fastening actions, reducing assembly complexity. The cap also serves multiple functions: sealing the assembly and providing structural support, eliminating the need for additional separate components.
3Device complexity
If the display meter is fixed in a single orientation, then the assembly is simple, but the usability is limited for different viewing angles and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational flexibility to the otherwise fixed assembly. The cap is designed to allow the display meter to rotate 360 degrees around the communication module while maintaining the sealed connection. This dynamic capability enables the display to be oriented in any direction, significantly improving usability for different viewing angles and installation positions without complicating the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the display meter from fixed to variable. The cap's design permits rotational movement, allowing the display meter to be positioned at any angle (0-360 degrees) while maintaining a secure, weather-sealed connection. This parameter change enhances usability for various applications and installation environments without increasing assembly complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick disconnect field instrument display assembly for assembling a display meter with a communication module. A snap-fit locking feature and a tab each mounted on both sides of a display meter housing locks with a receptacle tab located on a communication module housing in order to rotate the display with 90° indexing (360° display rotation). A printed circuit board can be firmly snapped into the display meter housing with the snap-fit locking feature on both sides and a display unit can be mounted in parallel to the display meter housing in order to restrict movement of the printed circuit board. A snap feature located on the inner side of the communication module housing secures a communication board and a number of tabs on the communication module housing facilitate 360° rotation with respect to the display meter housing.