Stackable Electronics Housing with Pivotable Release Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cramped installation conditions, such as those found in electronics housings designed for mounting on rails, it is laborious to detach pin and socket strips once they are connected.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable release clip, designed as an unlocking device, is integrated into the electronics housing to facilitate the separation of pin and socket strips without increasing the overall width of the housing, allowing for secure connection and easy release in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin and socket strips are connected securely in cramped installation conditions, then connection reliability is improved, but detachment becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The release clip is designed as a dynamically movable component that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element enables easy detachment by allowing the user to activate the release mechanism, which then facilitates the separation of pin and socket strips while maintaining secure connection during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The release clip mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through a simple motion, and once activated, the mechanism itself performs the work of separating the connected strips. The user initiates the process, but the mechanical system completes the detachment action, reducing the effort required
2Ease of operation
If an unlocking device is added to facilitate detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release clip serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element during connection, provides a user actuation interface for release, and facilitates the separation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving easy detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking function is segmented into a separate, modular release clip component that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows the complex unlocking mechanism to be isolated from the main housing structure, making the overall system more manageable and easier to assemble while providing the required detachment ease
3Length of stationary object
If the housing width is kept compact for terminal-type applications, then space efficiency is improved, but integration of unlocking mechanism becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release clip is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the existing space between the pin strip and socket strip. The mechanism is integrated into the available volume without requiring additional external space, allowing the housing to maintain its compact width suitable for terminal-type housings while still incorporating the unlocking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The release clip utilizes motion in a dimension perpendicular to the main connection direction (pivoting motion), rather than requiring additional space in the width direction. This dimensional approach allows the unlocking mechanism to function within the constrained width while providing adequate actuation space through the pivot arc
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 unlocking device simplifies the separation of pin and socket strips, ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement, even after prolonged use, without increasing the housing's width, making it suitable for use in terminal-type housings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pivotally mounted lever is arranged transversely to the pulling direction of the plug module on at least one longitudinal recess of the plug module, which lever is designed as an eccentric at one end
Data Source
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AI summary
The housing i.e. electronic housing (1), has contact-pin strip (2) and/or socket-pin strip (3) with a building width (X1) in a mounting direction. An unblocking device (4) locks the socket-pin strip from the contact-pin strip and is arranged at the contact-pin strip or the socket-pin strip. An entire building width (X2) of the contact-pin strip or the socket-pin strip with the unblocking device is not larger than the building width (X1) of the housing in the mounting direction. The unblocking device is formed as a rotatable unblocking holder (5).