Terminal Block Bus Device Latch Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal block bus devices with flexible arm hooks are inconvenient to operate due to difficulty in both firm connection and easy release, as they require laborious pressing to release and are hard to firmly connect.
Innovation Solution
A bus device with a latch assembly featuring an actuator and locking peg, where the actuator moves between release and locking positions using an actuating ramp set to axially rotate the locking peg, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly by pushing the protrusive key along spiral ramps, and an elastic member ensures a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible arm hook is used as a fastener, then the device is easy to assemble, but it is difficult to release and cannot be firmly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The locking peg is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, transforming a static flexible arm hook into a dynamic rotational locking mechanism. The actuator moves linearly to trigger the rotational motion of the locking peg through the actuating ramp set, enabling easy release by simply pushing the actuator without requiring laborious pressing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating ramp set uses spiral ramps (curved surfaces) to convert the linear motion of the actuator into rotational motion of the locking peg. The spiral geometry of the ramps provides a mechanical advantage that enables firm connection while allowing easy release through simple linear actuation.
2Strength
If a flexible arm hook is designed to be firmly connected, then connection strength is improved, but release operation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static flexible arm hook to a dynamic rotational system where the locking peg can easily switch between locked and unlocked states. The actuator's linear motion efficiently triggers the rotational motion needed for release, making the operation easy regardless of connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating ramp set acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the locking peg. It converts the small linear displacement of the actuator into the rotational motion required to disengage the locking peg, providing mechanical advantage that enables easy release even when strong connection is maintained.
3Device complexity
If a simple flexible arm hook is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning capability is limited to only locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking peg is designed to rotate to different positions (locked and unlocked), adding dynamic positioning capability to the otherwise simple structure. The actuator's linear motion controls this rotational positioning, enabling the system to adapt between different states without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the actuator for input, the actuating ramp set for motion conversion, and the locking peg for output. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while the combination provides versatile positioning capability.
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 solution provides a firm and easy-to-release connection mechanism, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly of the terminal block bus device, enhancing operational convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator has an actuating ramp set. The locking peg is axial-rotatably disposed in the case and arranged corresponding to an end of the sliding trough. An end of the locking peg projects from the connecting side and has an inverted hook. The locking peg has a protrusive key abutting against the actuating ramp set. When the actuator moves between the release position and the locking position, the actuating ramp set is configured to push the protrusive key to axially rotate the locking peg.
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member disposed in the case and abutting against the case to push the inverted hook toward the case
Implementation Method 3
The inverted hook passes the locking hole when the actuator is located at the release position. The inverted hook is hooked to an internal surface of the locking hole when the actuator is located at the locking position.
Data Source
AI summary
A bus device of a terminal block includes a case and a latch assembly. The case has a connecting side and is formed with a sliding trough. The latch assembly includes an actuator and a locking peg. The actuator is disposed in the sliding trough and movable along the sliding trough between a release position and a locking position. The actuator has an actuating ramp set. The locking peg is axial-rotatably disposed in the case and arranged corresponding to an end of the sliding trough. An end of the locking peg projects from the connecting side and has an inverted hook. The locking peg has a protrusive key abutting against the actuating ramp set. When the actuator moves between the release position and the locking position, the actuating ramp set is configured to push the protrusive key to axially rotate the locking peg.