Rotating Locking Pin Housing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signaling devices require complex and time-consuming installation methods due to the use of multiple screws or multi-part connecting mechanisms, increasing installation time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of one-piece locking pins with a rotating mechanism that can be inserted and locked into the housing base body, eliminating the need for additional components like screws or sleeves, and allowing for a form-fitting connection with a limited rotational angle, enabling quick and simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to connect the housing top to the housing base, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation time increases due to tightening over a large number of threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection process is segmented into two distinct phases: insertion of the locking pin through the housing top and base, followed by a separate rotation action to engage the locking lugs. This segmentation allows the insertion phase to be quick and the locking phase to be secure, resolving the contradiction between fast installation and reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin transitions from a static insertion component to a dynamic locking mechanism through rotation. The rotation action transforms the pin's function from mere connection to active locking, enabling both quick installation and secure connection by changing the component's state during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple connecting components like screws, sleeves, and locking mechanisms are used, then a secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnecting means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions previously requiring separate components (connection, locking, and positioning) are merged into a single locking pin component. The pin integrates the shaft for insertion, locking lugs for securing, and head for rotation control, eliminating the need for separate screws, sleeves, and locking mechanisms while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connection element, a locking mechanism, and a positioning device. The shaft provides structural connection, the locking lugs provide security, and the head enables controlled rotation, making the single component universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If a rotating locking mechanism is used instead of screws, then installation time is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin's head is designed to be gripped and rotated directly by the installer's hand, eliminating the need for external tools. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while enabling the faster rotating locking mechanism, as the human hand naturally provides sufficient torque for the rotation action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation action transforms the static insertion process into a dynamic locking sequence. The limited angular rotation required to engage the locking lugs provides tactile feedback and visual confirmation of proper engagement, making the operation intuitive and simple despite the rotational motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2597628B1Signal apparatus for emitting an acoustic and/or visual signal
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 PFANNENBERG GMBH
  • EP2597628B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2597628B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2597628B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The device (100) has a housing upper part (11) connected with a housing base body (10) by connectors. A receiving area is formed by the upper part and the base body, where an electrical assembly (13) is accommodated in the receiving area. Each connector includes multiple locking pins (12) held at the upper part. The pins include a shaft (15) inserted into an opening (18) of the base body. A locking lug (16) is arranged at the shaft. The pins are locked with the lug in the base body by rotation around a partial angle of a full circle.