Relay Module Ejection Mechanism for Simplified Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay modules are difficult to use due to a hard-to-toggle handle structure and challenging metal pin alignment during assembly, leading to inconvenience and complexity in the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A relay module structure featuring a relay with a main body and pins, a loading box with a flexible latch portion, and a relay seat with a recess and terminal holes, where the flexible latch allows for easy separation and alignment through an externally exerted force, eliminating the need for a handle and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle structure is used to eject the relay from the relay seat, then the relay can be removed, but the handle is hard to toggle and causes inconvenience in using
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle structure entirely from the relay module. Instead of using a handle to eject the relay, the design extracts this component and replaces it with a direct push-eject mechanism where the relay can be removed by simply pushing it, eliminating the complex handle toggling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of relay removal from requiring handle toggling motion to simple linear pushing motion. This parameter change simplifies the user interaction from complex rotational/toggling movements to basic linear force application.
2Reliability
If metal pins are used to connect relay to relay seat, then electrical connection is established, but the pins are hard to align with and insert into terminal holes causing difficulty in assembling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features on the metal pins that guide them into the terminal holes before insertion. This preliminary action of alignment ensures that the pins are automatically positioned correctly during the assembly process, eliminating the difficulty of manual alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment guides or positioning structures as intermediary elements between the metal pins and terminal holes. These intermediaries facilitate the alignment process by providing a pathway or guide that ensures proper positioning during assembly, making the connection process easier while maintaining connection reliability.
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
The solution enhances usability by simplifying the assembly process, reducing the overall height, and improving user convenience by allowing easy alignment and separation of components without a handle, thereby streamlining the assembly and usage of the relay module.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible latch portion may be flexibly deformed by an externally-exerted force
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is a relay module structure (1). A relay (10) includes a main body (11) and multiple pins (12) connected to the main body (11). A loading box (20) includes a box body (21) receiving the main body (11) and a flexible latch portion (22) connected to the box body (21). The box body (21) has a force exerting portion (211) and multiple slots (212). The pins (12) project from the slots (212). A relay seat (30) includes a seat body (31) having a recess (311), a positioning portion (312) and terminal holes (313). The loading box (20) is inserted in the recess (311) by engagement between the flexible latch portion (22) and the positioning portion (312). The pins (12) are inserted in the terminal holes (313). The flexible latch portion (22) is separated from the positioning portion (312) by exerting a force on the force exerting portion (211) to make the loading box (20) separate from the relay seat (30).