Rotary Encoder Cap with Elastic Clip for Tool-Free Cable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnet-based rotary encoder systems require complex and space-intensive setups for connecting and disconnecting the connecting cable, often necessitating tools and risking loss of components due to separate cover screws and tools.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotary encoder system with a cap featuring an elastic clip or spring element for cable fixation and a form-fit latching device for easy attachment and detachment, allowing the cap to be secured without tools and reducing the need for axial space, with the option of a flexible band for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening for feeding through the connection cable is designed large to allow access to sensor unit and electronics, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to larger housing and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a main housing and a separate cap that can be attached and removed independently. The cap covers the opening and provides access to the connection cable area without requiring removal of the entire housing, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is extracted as a separate component from the main housing structure. It can be removed independently to access the connection cable, eliminating the need to dismantle the entire housing assembly and reducing the complexity of the main housing design.
2Reliability
If separate cover screws and tools are used to secure the cap, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements and risk of component loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the cap itself through integrated latching elements. The cap incorporates latching protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the housing, combining the cap and fastening mechanism into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate cover screws and tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated latching mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a compact design is implemented to reduce space requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to limited assembly space
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with flexible latching elements that can deform during the attachment process. The latching protrusions can elastically deform to allow the cap to be snapped onto the housing even in limited space, then lock into place. This dynamic behavior enables compact design while maintaining ease of operation during assembly.
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 compact, easy-to-assemble rotary encoder system with simplified cable management and secure cable fixation, reducing production costs and eliminating the need for large assembly spaces, while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing device having an elastic clip or spring element for prestressing the connection cable against the peripheral wall
Implementation Method 2
the latching device is designed in particular as a form-fit fastening device for fastening the cap to the encoder housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnet-based angular displacement measuring system (1) for detecting a rotational movement of a machine shaft (80), comprising an exciter unit (2) rigidly connected to the machine shaft (80), a stationary sensor unit (3) that interacts functionally with said exciter unit (2), and a shaft encoder housing (4) that is made to be pot-shaped with a cylindrical peripheral wall (43) and a front-end base (44) and that radially encloses at least said sensor unit (3), wherein the shaft encoder housing (4) has an additional opening (41) which can be closed by a cap (5). According to the invention, the cap (5) for closing the opening (41) can be detachably secured to the shaft encoder housing (4) using a detent device (6).