Rotating Lever Lock for Electrical Device Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device casings for electrical installation devices lack reliable and secure locking mechanisms that can be used multiple times, and are often expensive to produce.

Innovation Solution

A device casing with rotatable levers that lock onto locking ladders without requiring additional projections or undercuts, allowing for secure and releasable attachment using slot-like openings in the ladders, and a method for producing such casings through multi-component injection molding with different plastics that provide relative mobility and secure guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with additional projections or undercuts is used, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking lever is designed to be rotatable relative to the device casing, transitioning between a locked position (engaging the locking conductor) and a release position (disengaged). This dynamic element provides reliable locking without requiring complex additional projections or undercuts on the device casing itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is separated from the device casing structure and implemented as a distinct rotatable lever component. This segmentation allows the casing to remain simple while the lever provides the locking mechanism through its rotational movement and engagement with the locking conductor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms with multiple components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking lever is integrated with the device casing through a bearing connection, combining two functions (structural support and locking action) into a unified assembly. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable lever provides self-locking capability through its geometric design and engagement with the locking conductor. The lever's position and shape enable it to automatically engage and lock without requiring additional active locking mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If locking mechanisms requiring precise alignment are used, then secure locking is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking lever utilizes changes in its rotational position (angular parameter) to transition between locked and release states. The bearing connection allows smooth rotational movement, and the lever's geometry ensures that rotation naturally guides the locking engagement, eliminating the need for precise linear alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable lever provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the user to easily transition between locked and release positions through simple rotation. This dynamic mechanism accommodates minor misalignments and provides intuitive operation while maintaining secure locking when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2953222B1Device holder for electrical installation devices and method for producing a device holder
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 OBO BETTERMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2953222B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2953222B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8
  • EP2953222B1 patent drawingFigure 9~14

AI summary

The invention relates to a device cup for electrical installation devices with at least one projection at opposite ends of the device cup, wherein the projections are provided for hanging the device cup in horizontally arranged slots of locking ladders of an underfloor cassette, wherein at least one end of the device cup in the area of ​​the at least one projection a lever rotatable relative to the device cup for locking the device cup to the locking ladders is provided, and wherein a locking section of the lever is arranged in a first release position substantially aligned with the at least one projection and in a second locking position is arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to the projection.