Swingable Connecting Member for Modular Signal Input Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal input/output devices have weak joining strength between adjacent units, making it difficult to increase or reduce the number of units without using adhesives, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The signal input/output device employs swingable connecting members and fastening mechanisms to securely join adjacent units without adhesives, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and includes features like insertion holes for tag plates to prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pin is inserted in a hole to join adjacent signal input/output units, then the units are connected, but the joining strength is not very large
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed to be swingable rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed. The member can swing between an inserted state (providing strong joining) and a removed state (allowing easy separation), resolving the contradiction between strong joining and ease of separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A stop is introduced as an intermediary element that engages with the inserted connecting member to provide reliable positioning and strong joining strength. The stop acts as a mediator that enhances the connection without preventing future separation, as the connecting member can still be removed by swinging it out.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to fill the hole and fix the pin, then the joining strength is increased, but it becomes difficult to separate adjacent units
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is completely removed from the joining mechanism. Instead of using adhesive to fix the pin, the invention uses a swingable connecting member that achieves strong joining through mechanical engagement with the stop, while maintaining ease of separation for future modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member transitions from a static fixed position (as with adhesive) to a dynamic swingable position, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed without adhesive, thus enabling both strong joining and easy separation for unit modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal input/output units are joined together, then the functionality is increased, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal input/output device is segmented into multiple independent units that can be individually joined or separated. Each unit has its own swingable connecting member and stop, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly without increasing overall complexity, as each segment operates independently with the same simple joining mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal input/output device includes an array of signal input/output units. The signal input/output units have respective bases, each of which includes a connecting member. The connecting member has a second protruding end finger swingably supported on a base, and a first protruding end finger that engages with a stop of an adjacent base. The connecting member is positioned and fixed (secured) by a screw, which extends through a bottom plate and is threaded in a square nut. The connecting member, when secured in this manner, joins the adjacent bases to each other.