Rotating Stack Unit for Signal Lamp Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing signal indicator lamps require dedicated power supply members for electrical connection between display units, leading to increased costs and complex assembly processes, particularly due to the time-consuming manual soldering of power supply members to the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A stack unit design featuring a simplified construction with general-purpose connectors for external electrical connections, allowing adjacent stack units to be easily connected and disconnected by rotating outer members, while the inner members holding the boards remain immovable in the stacking direction, reducing the number of components and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated power supply members are used for electrical connection between display units, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from dedicated power supply members and integrates it into the connection structure itself. The connection structure includes conductive elements that simultaneously provide mechanical connection and electrical power transmission, eliminating the need for separate power supply components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical power transmission function into a single integrated connection structure. The connection structure includes both structural support elements and conductive elements, combining multiple functions into one component to reduce overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple power supply members are used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but assembly time increases due to manual soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates conductive elements directly into the connection structure during manufacturing, so that electrical connections are pre-established. When display units are assembled, the electrical connectivity is automatically achieved through the connection structure without requiring on-site soldering or additional electrical assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with a mechanical insertion connection. The connection structure is designed to be inserted into a receptacle, and the conductive elements make electrical contact through this mechanical insertion, eliminating the need for thermal soldering processes and reducing assembly time.
3Reliability
If dedicated power supply members are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical support, alignment, and electrical power transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated power supply members, reducing the total component count and lowering production costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard, readily available conductive materials and connection structures that can be mass-produced at low cost. The connection structure is designed to be simple and replaceable, using inexpensive materials that facilitate economical manufacturing while achieving the required electrical connection reliability.
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
This design reduces production costs and simplifies the assembly of signal indicator lamps by eliminating the need for dedicated power supply members and minimizing the complexity of electrical connections, facilitating faster and more cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a connection portion (17) provided on the outer member for connecting the outer member to another stack unit of the signal indicator lamp by rotating the outer member about a rotation axis (J) extending in the stacking direction
Implementation Method 2
a support portion (20) provided on the outer member for supporting the inner member so that the inner member is rotatable relative to the outer member about the rotation axis and immovable relative to the outer member in the stacking direction
Implementation Method 3
a first connector (65) provided at an end (12B) of the board on one of the opposite sides defined with respect to the stacking direction for external electrical connection; and a second connector (66) provided at an end (12C) of the board on the other side defined with respect to the stacking direction for external electrical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A stack unit (4) is provided for a signal indicator lamp including a plurality of such stack units stacked in a stacking direction (X). The stack unit (4) includes an outer member (10), an inner member (11) provided in a first internal space (15) of the outer member (10), a support portion (20) provided on the outer member (10), a board (12) held in a second internal space (32) of the inner member (11), and a first connector (65) and a second connector (66) for external electrical connection. The support portion (20) supports the inner member (11) so that the inner member (11) is rotatable relative to the outer member (10) about a rotation axis (J) extending in the stacking direction (X) and immovable relative to the outer member (10) in the stacking direction (X). The first connector (65) is provided at an end of the board (12) on one (X1) of opposite sides defined with respect to the stacking direction (X), and the second connector (66) is provided at an end of the board (12) on the other side (X2) defined with respect to the stacking direction (X).