Replaceable Panel Snap Mechanism for Damage-Free Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing replaceable panel structures for electrical apparatus elements, such as sockets and switches, are prone to damage during disassembly and replacement due to the need for excessive force, which complicates the disassembly process and can lead to component damage.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable panel structure featuring a snap mechanism with first elastic snaps and second non-elastic snaps, where the first snap is deformed to snap into or release from a slot with the help of a press-guide inclined plane and release-guide inclined plane, and the second snap is released horizontally from its slot, simplifying the disassembly and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a snap structure with hook-like ends is used to connect the panel to the base, then the panel can be replaced, but the snap is likely to be damaged due to excessive force required for disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel replaceabilityVSAvoidsnap durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snap structure is divided into two distinct types: first snaps with hook-like ends for engagement, and second snaps with flat ends for release. This segmentation allows each snap type to perform its specific function optimally - the first snaps provide secure attachment while the second snaps enable easy damage-free removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second snap acts as an intermediary release mechanism. Instead of directly pulling on the first snap's hook-like ends, the user operates the second snap which is designed to release the connection without applying excessive force to the first snap, thereby preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the snap structure requires pressing and puffing actions for disassembly, then the panel can be removed, but the disassembly process becomes complicated and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel replaceabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second snap is designed with a structure that automatically releases the connection when pulled in the pulling direction. The flat end portion of the second snap works with the slot structure to provide automatic release without requiring complex pressing and puffing actions, making the disassembly process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the snap structure uses hook-like ends that need to be pressed inward and puffed outward for release, then the panel can be detached, but the hook-like portions are likely to be damaged when forcibly removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel replaceabilityVSAvoidsnap structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The second snap is designed as a sacrificial or wear-resistant component that protects the more critical first snap. By using the second snap's flat end structure for release operations, the design prevents damage accumulation on the hook-like portions of the first snap, extending the overall service life of the connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 provides a simple and stable disassembly process, reducing the likelihood of damage to the snaps and slots, making the replacement process easier and more reliable, while ensuring the panel can be easily swapped without damaging the components.

Implementation Method 1

the first elastic snap being pressed and deformed due to the stop of the stop block and then snapped into or released from the first slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A press-guide inclined plane is formed above the stop block; a lower end of the press-guide inclined plane being connected with an edge, pressing the first protruded snapping portion, of the stop block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical guidance through inclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentUS9564745B1Replaceable panel structure and socket, switch and humidity sensor with replaceable panel

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 ENERLITES INC

AI summary

A replaceable panel structure and a socket, switch and humidity sensor with the replaceable panel. The replaceable panel structure includes a base, and a panel main body which is replaceably mounted on the base by a snap structure having first snap structures and second snap structures, wherein each of the first snap structures includes a first elastic snap disposed on the panel main body and a stop block disposed on the base, a first slot fitted with the first elastic snap being formed on one side of the stop block away from the panel main body, the first elastic snap being deformed due to the stop of the stop block and then snapped into or released from the first slot; each of the second snap structures includes a second snap disposed on the panel main body and a second slot disposed on the base and fitted with the second snap, the second snap being able to be inserted into or released from the second slot in a horizontal direction.