Single Slide Lever for Electrical Distribution Center
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution centers in vehicles require significant packaging space for multiple levers, restrict mounting flexibility, and are prone to misalignment due to separate lever engagement.
Innovation Solution
A single centrally located slide lever is used to connect the electrical distribution center, eliminating the need for space on both ends and reducing misalignment by allowing simultaneous engagement of studs through dog-leg shaped slots and a pivotally connected slide lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent cam levers are used to connect the distribution assembly, then the connection reliability is improved, but the packaging space requirement increases and mounting flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent cam levers are merged into a single integrated lever assembly. The single lever simultaneously engages multiple studs through dog-leg shaped slots, combining the functions of multiple levers into one component that operates as a unified mechanism rather than separate independent levers
Solution Approach 2:
The single lever assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it connects multiple connector bodies to the base, maintains alignment of terminals, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate levers at each end of the distribution center
2Reliability
If multiple independent cam levers are used to connect the distribution assembly, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent cam levers are merged into a single integrated lever assembly. The single lever simultaneously engages multiple studs through dog-leg shaped slots, combining the functions of multiple levers into one component that operates as a unified mechanism rather than separate independent levers
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly is segmented into multiple arms that can independently engage different studs, allowing the single lever to function as multiple levers would while maintaining a unified structure that is simpler than coordinating multiple independent levers
3Reliability
If separate levers are used at each end of the distribution center, then the connection reliability is improved, but the misalignment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent cam levers are merged into a single integrated lever assembly. The single lever simultaneously engages multiple studs through dog-leg shaped slots, combining the functions of multiple levers into one component that operates as a unified mechanism rather than separate independent levers
Solution Approach 2:
The dog-leg shaped slots provide dynamic alignment compensation during the connection process. As the single lever moves, the geometry of the slots automatically guides the studs into proper alignment positions, maintaining precision throughout the motion range rather than requiring perfect static alignment
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 configuration allows for flexible mounting orientations, reduces misalignment, and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining ergonomic requirements for operating the lever.
Implementation Method 1
The slide lever is pivotally connected to the first and second side walls of the connector body
Implementation Method 2
The first slide is slideably supported within a first channel that is defined by the first side wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrical distribution center (10) having a base (12) connected to one or several wiring harnesses and a connector body (14) that is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to the base (12). The connector body (14) houses electrical devices such as relays, fuses, and control modules. The connector body (14) is secured to the base (12) by a pair of slides (28, 30) having dog-leg shaped slots (36, 38) that engage studs (22) on the base (12). A single slide lever (40) having two arms (42, 44) attached to each of the slides (28, 30) is pivotably attached to the connector body (14) and the slides (28, 30) and is configured to simultaneously move the dog-leg shaped slots (36, 38) relative to the studs (22) on the base (12), thereby securing the connector body (14) to the base (12).