Rotating Jaw Socket Assembly for Meter Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket assemblies for meter centers often experience dislodgment of plug-in jaws during installation and removal of meters, leading to labor-intensive and difficult-to-automate securing methods, with small projections on the base member being prone to shearing off.
Innovation Solution
A socket assembly with a jaw assembly that rotates between disengagement and engagement positions, utilizing retaining edges and biasing elements to securely attach to the base member, preventing longitudinal and rotational movement without the need for separate fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to secure jaws to the base member, then the jaws are securely attached, but the assembly process becomes labor intensive and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed to self-secure to the base member through a rotation mechanism. The jaw rotates into a locked position where it is retained by the base member geometry, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or manual securing operations. This self-service mechanism enables automated assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If small projections are included in the base member to secure jaws, then the jaws are attached without separate fasteners, but the projections are often sheared off during meter installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly transitions from a static projection-based retention system to a dynamic rotation-based locking mechanism. The jaw rotates into engagement with the base member, creating a secure locked position that distributes mechanical loads more effectively. This dynamic mechanism prevents the shear-off problem by allowing controlled movement during installation while maintaining secure retention during operation.
3Extent of automation
If the jaw assembly rotates with respect to the base member, then automated assembly is enabled and manufacturing is simplified, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation and locking functions are merged into a single integrated jaw assembly mechanism. The jaw itself serves as both the moving component and the locking element, eliminating the need for separate actuators, springs, or complex locking mechanisms. This merging reduces overall device complexity while enabling automated assembly through a simple rotation motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket assembly is for a meter center including at least one meter having a stab. The socket assembly includes a base member; and a jaw assembly having a first jaw member and a second jaw member coupled to the first jaw member, each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member having a number of retaining edges and being structured to engage the stab. The jaw assembly is structured to rotate between a first position corresponding to disengagement between the number of retaining edges and the base member, and a second position corresponding to engagement between the number of retaining edges and the base member.