Terminal Block Engagement Structure for Secure Dovetail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The engagement between dovetail holes and tenons is easily released when the accommodated member moves relative to the accommodating member in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, potentially causing the accommodated member to fall out, especially under the influence of gravity.
Innovation Solution
The engagement structure incorporates a latch structure with a locking hole and protruding portion, and a dovetail structure with a dovetail tenon and hole, where the dovetail tenon engages with the hole before the protruding portion contacts the opening end, and the protruding portion engages with the locking hole to restrict movement in the opposite direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a dovetail hole and dovetail tenon engagement structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the engagement is easily released when the accommodated member moves in the opposite direction to insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is divided into two independent but coordinated parts: a dovetail structure for guiding and initial engagement, and a latch structure for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail tenon engages with the dovetail hole before the protruding portion engages with the locking hole during insertion. This preliminary engagement establishes the correct positioning and guides the accommodated member into place before the final securing action occurs, ensuring reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If the protruding portion engages with the locking hole to restrict movement, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure is integrated with the dovetail structure, sharing common components such as the protruding portion that serves both as part of the latch mechanism and as a positioning element. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion serves multiple functions: it engages with the locking hole to prevent backward movement, guides the insertion process, and works in coordination with the dovetail structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, balancing reliability improvement with complexity control.
3Reliability
If the dovetail tenon engages with the dovetail hole before the protruding portion contacts the opening end, then the engagement reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail hole is designed with an asymmetric shape that is wider at the opening end and narrower toward the rear, while the dovetail tenon has a corresponding asymmetric profile. This asymmetry ensures that the tenon can only engage with the hole in one specific orientation and sequence, automatically controlling the engagement sequence without requiring high manufacturing precision for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric dovetail geometry prevents incorrect engagement sequences by making it mechanically impossible for the protruding portion to engage with the locking hole before the dovetail tenon engages with the dovetail hole. This preliminary anti-action design eliminates the need for precise control of engagement timing, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An engagement structure for causing an accommodating member having an opening to engage with an accommodated member which is accommodated in the accommodating member by being inserted into the opening in a rearward direction includes projecting portions and locking holes that engage with one another, and additionally includes dovetail tenons and a dovetail tenon holes that engage with one another, wherein the dovetail tenons engage with the dovetail tenon holes before the projecting portions come into contact with an opening edge of the opening when the accommodated member is being inserted into the accommodating member.