Rotary Locking Mechanism for Shielded Cable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for securing shielded lines in motor vehicle batteries with hybrid or electric drives lack a simple and secure method to twist-fix and connect the lines to the housing without risk of interchanging them.
Innovation Solution
The assembly features a locking mechanism with a mounting plate and connectors that can be easily rotated and locked, utilizing latching elements, spring washers, and coding means to ensure secure and correct alignment, with the mounting plate and connectors made of plastic for cost-effectiveness and electrical insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with rotation and latching elements is implemented, then the security and reliability of cable fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, incorporates locking elements for securing cables, includes coding means for identification, and integrates mounting features for the housing. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the required reliability and security of cable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: locking lugs for engagement, coding means for identification, and mounting features for attachment. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and manufacturable through processes like injection molding.
2Strength
If multiple locking elements are arranged offset around the feedthrough opening, then the force distribution and security are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The offset arrangement of locking elements serves multiple purposes: it distributes mechanical forces evenly across the feedthrough opening, provides structural strength, and simultaneously creates unique coding patterns for cable identification. This multi-functionality achieves both strength and precision requirements through a single geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are deliberately arranged asymmetrically in offset positions around the feedthrough opening rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric arrangement naturally distributes forces more effectively and creates distinctive coding patterns for identification, achieving both mechanical strength and manufacturing precision through the asymmetric geometry itself.
3Reliability
If spring washers are used to create tension and reduce play, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring washer is designed as a self-regulating component that automatically creates and maintains tension between the mounting plate and housing. As the assembly is tightened, the spring washer compresses and stores energy, continuously pushing the mounting plate against the housing to eliminate play. This self-service mechanism maintains connection reliability without requiring additional active components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If coding means are implemented to prevent cable swapping, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coding means are merged directly into the geometric design of the mounting plate and locking elements. The same offset arrangement that provides mechanical strength also creates unique coding patterns. This merging allows coding features to be manufactured simultaneously with the main structural components using standard injection molding processes, without requiring separate manufacturing steps or additional complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The apparatus (1) comprises a mounting plate (7) which is mounted at the first side (5a) of the housing (5) and in which the through-openings are formed and aligned within the housing. The lines (3,3') are guided through the through-openings, from the second side (5b) of the housing. The connectors (11,11') are arranged around the lines. The connector has locking elements (13,13') for locking the connectors around the lines, by the subsequent rotation of connectors and for fixing the mounting plate to the housing.