Sealed Electrical Apparatus Retractable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for electrical casings in street lighting are bulky, conspicuous, and compromise aesthetics, while also lacking in ease of use and reliability for sealing against external agents.
Innovation Solution
A sealed electrical apparatus featuring a retractable locking mechanism with elastic members that integrates a closure member within the casing contour, ensuring a hidden and efficient closure system that is both aesthetically pleasing and mechanically secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking systems with screws, pivots, and mechanical members are used, then reliable sealing protection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and aesthetically compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical members such as pivots, holes, and protrusions from the closure system. The closure member is designed to be integrated within the casing contour without requiring these additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the elastic engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is merged with the casing contour to create a seamless integrated design. The elastic members are combined with the hinge function, eliminating the need for separate pivot points and mechanical fastening components, thus reducing overall system bulk while maintaining reliable sealing
2Reliability
If conventional fastening devices are used, then adequate protection of electrical contacts is achieved, but the aesthetics of the product is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed with local quality that matches the surrounding casing contour. The elastic engagement mechanism is positioned and shaped to be hidden within the casing profile, providing adequate protection for electrical contacts while maintaining a smooth, aesthetically pleasing exterior surface without visible fastening devices
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is nested within the casing contour when in the closed position. The elastic members are positioned inside the casing structure, allowing the closure member to engage and protect electrical contacts while remaining hidden within the overall shape, thus preserving aesthetics
3Shape
If a retractable locking mechanism with elastic members is used, then aesthetics and integration are improved, but the complexity of the hinge mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members serve multiple functions: they act as both the hinge mechanism allowing rotation of the closure member and the locking mechanism providing engagement with the abutment portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate hinge components and simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving the desired integrated appearance
4Reliability
If conventional bulky locking systems are used, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the ease of operation for opening and closing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members provide self-service by automatically engaging with the abutment portion when the closure member is moved to the closed position, creating the hermetic seal without requiring manual intervention. Similarly, they automatically disengage when the closure member is opened, enabling easy and quick operation while maintaining reliable sealing
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
The solution provides a reliable, easy-to-open-and-close, and aesthetically superior hermetic seal that enhances the functionality and safety of electrical apparatuses, ensuring protection against external agents while maintaining a seamless exterior shape.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable locking means comprising a closure member hinged to one of said parts by virtue of an elastic means; said closure member defining at least two conditions: an open condition and a closed condition
Implementation Method 2
said closure member is hinged to said first part by means of a pair of elastic members; each of said elastic members having a first end engaged in a respective hinge formed in said first part and a second end elastically engageable with an abutment portion of said closure member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A sealed electrical apparatus including a casing constituted by a first part (2) and a second part (3); the first part (2) is sealingly associable with the second part (3) by virtue of a retractable locking means including a closure member (4) hinged to one of the two parts by virtue of an elastic means (5); in the closed condition, the closure member (4) engages the two parts and is integrated in the contour of the casing.