Tamper-proof molded article disassembly indication mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator apparatuses lack a tamper-proof mechanism that can indicate disassembly while maintaining a reduced number of assembly steps, as previous solutions either increase assembly complexity or fail to leave a disassembly mark.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-proof molded article with a base and cover featuring a press-fitting mechanism, where a first interference portion and a second interference portion contact to form a disassembly indication mark when the cover is slid off, ensuring a reliable tamper-proof function without increasing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forceful plastic bending or deforming is used to connect components, then the tamper-proof function is implemented, but the number of assembling steps is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper-proof functionVSAvoidnumber of assembling steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connection function and the disassembly indication function into a single integrated structure. The interference portion serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical connection between components and simultaneously forms a disassembly indication mark when disassembled, eliminating the need for separate tamper-proof marking steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference portion is designed to perform multiple functions: (1) mechanical connection between base and cover, (2) formation of disassembly indication mark, and (3) prevention of unauthorized disassembly. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by achieving tamper-proof functionality without adding assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a snap-fit structure is used to connect components, then the assembling operation is easy, but the disassembly indication mark cannot be left

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembling operationVSAvoiddisassembly indication mark

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the snap-fit connection structure with the disassembly indication mechanism. The interference portion is designed such that the same structural feature that enables easy snap-fit assembly also creates the disassembly indication mark when the components are separated, achieving both ease of assembly and tamper-proof functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing separate features for assembly and disassembly indication, the patent inverts the approach by designing the interference portion so that its removal (disassembly action) automatically creates the indication mark. The act of disassembly itself produces the visible mark, eliminating the need for separate marking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9796265B2Tamper-proof molded article and accelerator apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A support member includes a base projection. A cover includes a press-fitting portion and a cover projection. The press-fitting portion is press-fitted to a press-fitting hole of the support member. The cover projection is placed at a location, which is spaced from the base projection in a state where the press-fitting portion is press-fitted. At time of disassembling between the support member and the cover by sliding the cover in a releasing direction, the base projection and the cover projection contact with each other to form a disassembly indication mark, which indicates the disassembling between the cover and the support member, on at least one of the base projection and the cover projection.