Signal Apparatus Cable Guide for Assembly Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signaling devices face challenges in easy assembly and electrical connection, requiring installers to handle both electrical assemblies and lines while using tools, leading to complex cabling and poor assemblyability.

Innovation Solution

A signaling device with a line connection means integrated into the one-piece housing base body, allowing independent electrical line connection without the housing upper part, and featuring plug-in contact partners for secure and accessible electrical assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical assembly is arranged in the housing top part and electrical line is inserted into the housing base body, then the acoustic signal generator can be arranged in the housing top part, but the assemblyability deteriorates due to poor accessibility for electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibility of electrical assemblyVSAvoidassemblyability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A cable guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing base body and the electrical assembly. This cable guide element includes a receiving space for the cable and a guide element that directs the cable into the receiving space of the electrical assembly, thereby solving the accessibility problem while maintaining the separated arrangement of components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is divided into a housing base body and a housing top part that can be separately assembled. The electrical assembly is mounted on the housing top part while the cable entry is provided in the housing base body, allowing independent preparation and assembly of different components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the installer has to hold both the electrical assembly and the electrical line while using a tool, then the electrical connection can be made, but the handling complexity increases and assembly efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide element is pre-integrated into the housing base body during manufacturing, and the cable entry is pre-provided in the housing base body. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for installers to manually position and hold multiple components during assembly, allowing for quick and simple electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional cabling is required for electrical connection, then the electrical assembly can be connected to the electrical line, but the cabling complexity increases and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, guides the cable into the correct position, and integrates with the housing base body. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate cabling components needed and simplifies the overall installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2597629B1Signal apparatus for emitting an acoustic and/or visual signal
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 PFANNENBERG GMBH
  • EP2597629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2597629B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2597629B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The signal apparatus (100) has a receiving space (12) that is formed between a housing base portion (10) and a housing upper portion (11). An electric line is guided into a main portion. The electric line is connected to a lead terminal unit (15) which is provided in the housing base portion. An electrical component for signal generation is arranged in the receiving space at the housing upper portion.