Relay Socket Locking Device With Elastic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relay sockets require cumbersome and often tool-dependent processes for both mounting and removal of relays, which can be challenging in compact and harsh automotive environments where relays are frequently subjected to varying temperatures, vibrations, and humidity, leading to potential electrical disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with elastically deformable arms and hooks that securely engage with the relay, allowing for flexible positioning and easy disengagement using a tool, ensuring reliable electrical contact and accommodating different relay heights through various engagement means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional relay sockets use elastically deformable locking elements integrated with side walls, then the relay can be securely held in place, but the removal process becomes cumbersome and may require special tools or skills
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two functional parts: locking elements integrated with the side walls for securing the relay, and arm portions with tabs for engagement and release. This segmentation allows the locking function to be separated from the release mechanism, enabling easy removal without compromising holding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device uses elastically deformable arms that can dynamically change their configuration. The arms can be spread apart to disengage from locking elements and return to their initial position to engage them, providing both secure locking and easy release through dynamic mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is designed to accommodate relays of different heights using locking elements of different lengths, then the socket becomes versatile, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks relays of different heights through hooks engaging with locking elements at different positions, and simultaneously provides a release mechanism through the arm portions with tabs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms for different relay sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooks on the arm portions are positioned to engage with locking elements that are nested within the socket structure. The arm portions themselves are nested within the socket housing, allowing the locking mechanism to be compact while accommodating multiple relay heights through the vertical arrangement of locking elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking elements are made elastically deformable to allow relay insertion, then the mounting process is simplified, but the locking strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-configured in the side walls at specific positions and orientations. During relay insertion, the elastically deformable arms automatically engage these pre-positioned locking elements, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining locking strength through the pre-optimized geometry of the engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device utilizes elastic deformation as a temporary state during insertion, which transitions to a rigid locked state once engagement is achieved. The material and geometric parameters of the locking elements are optimized to provide sufficient flexibility for easy insertion while ensuring adequate locking strength when engaged.
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 locking device provides a fast, secure, and adaptable solution for mounting and dismounting relays, maintaining electrical contact and accommodating various relay sizes, while facilitating easy removal without tools, thus enhancing reliability and ease of use in challenging automotive environments.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity of the bridge is used to give some flexibility such that the arms of the locking device can be selectively displaced from an initial configuration
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A component assembly comprises a structure (14) defining a receiving cavity (24) for a component (12), the structure (14) including a locking cavity (32) for a locking device (16). The locking device (16) has a pair of elongate arms (38) extending along a main axis (A) and arranged in facing relationship, and an elastically deformable bridge (42) connecting said arms (38). The bridge (42) divides said locking device (16) into: a locking portion, on one side of the bridge (42), in which the arms (38) are configured to positively engage with respective locking elements (54) in the locking cavity (32), thereby defining a locked position, and an engaging portion, on the opposite side of the bridge (42), in which the arms (38) are provided with means (58) adapted to engage with the component (12) to maintain the latter in its receiving cavity (24), when the locking device (16) is in the locked position.