Terminal Cover Lid Structure for Protected Provisional Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal covers are susceptible to having their provisional latching mechanism disengaged by external forces during transportation, leading to unintended opening.
Innovation Solution
A terminal cover design featuring a latching wall with a latching boss and a lid configuration that maintains the open state without external exposure, using tapered surfaces to facilitate manual release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the provisional latching boss is exposed externally when engaged with the latching hole, then the latching mechanism can be easily engaged, but the latching could be disengaged by external force during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover structure that acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the latching mechanism. The cover includes a latching hole that receives the latching boss, and when closed, it shields the latching boss from external forces while maintaining the latching function. This mediator (cover) protects the critical latching interface without preventing its operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching boss is nested within the cover structure rather than being exposed on the external surface. The cover encompasses the latching mechanism, with the latching hole providing access for engagement while the outer surface remains closed. This nesting arrangement protects the latching boss from external impacts during transportation while allowing easy engagement when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the terminal cover is designed with a closed structure to protect internal components, then protection is improved, but access to the terminal connection portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic structure that can transition between closed and open states. The lid is hinged to the wire protection part, allowing it to rotate between a closed position (providing protection) and an open position (providing access). This dynamic design enables the same structure to fulfill both protection and access requirements at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal cover is segmented into multiple functional parts: a wire protection part and a lid connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows independent movement of the lid while the wire protection part remains stationary, providing controlled access to the terminal connection portion while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to open freely for access, then ease of operation is improved, but the open state cannot be maintained stably during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the lid is opened to a specific angle. The latching boss on the lid aligns with and engages the latching hole on the wire protection part as the lid opens, preliminarily establishing the latched state before any external forces can act. This preliminary action ensures stable maintenance of the open state during transportation without requiring continuous manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal cover includes a terminal protector having an opening part that is open upward, a wire protection part provided rearward continuously with the terminal protector, and a lid joined to a front end of the wire protection part via a hinge and configured to open and close the opening part from above. A latching wall including a latching boss is provided to extend upward on an upper surface of the wire protection part. In a closed state in which the opening part is blocked off, the lid includes a protruding part protruding upward of the upper surface of the wire protection part, and a surrounding part provided continuously downward from the protruding part and widening outward from the protruding part. Also, the protruding part is provided with a latching part.