Relay Module Latch Structure for Easy Pin-Aligned Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing relay modules are difficult to use due to a hard-to-toggle handle structure and challenging metal pin alignment during assembly, making the process inconvenient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A relay module structure that includes a relay, a loading box with a flexible latch portion, and a relay seat, where the loading box is inserted into the relay seat using a flexible latch that can be easily deformed with an external force, eliminating the need for a handle and simplifying assembly by allowing screwdriver access to exert force for separation.
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 design. Instead of using a handle to eject the relay, the design relies on direct manual removal or simple tool-based extraction, thereby eliminating the problematic handle mechanism while still allowing relay removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a handle to push the relay out from the front, the patent inverts the ejection mechanism by allowing the relay to be removed from the back or by applying force to the relay body directly, reversing the traditional handle-based front ejection approach.
2Ease of operation
If a handle structure is used to eject the relay from the relay seat, then the relay can be removed, but the overall height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the handle structure that protruded from the relay module, thereby reducing the overall height of the assembly while maintaining the ability to remove the relay through alternative simpler means.
3Reliability
If metal pins are used to connect the relay to the relay seat, then electrical connection is established, but the pins are hard to align with and insert into terminal holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment guides or positioning features on the metal pins or terminal holes that pre-align the components before insertion. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the pins automatically match with the terminal holes during assembly, eliminating the difficulty of manual alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism, such as guide rails, positioning pins, or tapered interfaces, that mediates between the metal pins and terminal holes. This intermediary structure facilitates smooth alignment and insertion by providing a transitional path that guides the pins into the correct position before final engagement.
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 usability by reducing the overall height, simplifying the assembly process, and improving convenience by allowing easy separation and alignment of components, thus addressing the difficulties in handling and assembly of traditional relay modules.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible latch portion may be flexibly deformed by an externally-applied force
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is a relay module structure. A relay includes a main body and multiple pins connected to the main body. A loading box includes a box body receiving the main body and a flexible latch portion connected to the box body. The box body has a force exerting portion and multiple slots. The pins project from the slots. A relay seat includes a seat body having a recess, a positioning portion, and terminal holes. The loading box is inserted in the recess by engagement between the flexible latch portion and the positioning portion. The pins are inserted in the terminal holes. The flexible latch portion is separated from the positioning portion by exerting a force on the force exerting portion to make the loading box separate from the relay seat.