Terminal Cover Restriction Design for Reliable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal cover designs with half pieces coupled by a hinge face issues of complex shapes due to the projection of resilient lock and restriction pieces from different halves, leading to potential disengagement and displacement during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A terminal cover design where the restriction is formed only on the first piece, with a resilient lock piece that deforms in a specific direction, and a frame on the second piece accommodates the lock piece, simplifying the shape of the second piece and enhancing rigidity against external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the restriction is formed on both half pieces, then the displacement of half pieces can be restricted more effectively, but the shape complexity of the half pieces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction function is extracted from the second half piece and concentrated on the first half piece only. The first half piece includes both the resilient lock piece and the restriction, while the second half piece only includes the lock. This extraction principle simplifies the second half piece shape while maintaining displacement restriction functionality through the engagement between the restriction on the first half piece and the lock on the second half piece.
2Reliability
If the resilient lock piece has high resilient restoring force, then the locking reliability is improved, but the displacement of half pieces during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction is designed to engage with the lock in advance during the assembly process, before the resilient lock piece completes its restoration. This preliminary engagement prevents excessive displacement caused by the resilient restoring force, guiding the half pieces into proper alignment while the lock engages with the restriction, thereby preventing disengagement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge is made deformable to enable tubular shaping, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the precision of the united shape may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with dynamic deformability that allows it to be flexed during assembly to form the tubular shape, and then maintains the deformed position to hold the half pieces in their united state. This dynamic property enables easy manufacturing through deformation while maintaining the required shape precision in the final assembled configuration.
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 design effectively restricts displacement of the pieces in both the deforming and opposite directions, ensuring reliable locking and protection from external interference, while maintaining a simpler shape for the second piece.
Implementation Method 1
At least one resilient lock piece projects from the first piece and is resiliently deformable in a direction intersecting a uniting direction with the second piece
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal cover has first and second pieces (10, 30) that can be united into a tubular shape. A resilient lock piece (13) is formed on the first piece (10) and engages a lock (41) of the second piece (30) to lock the two pieces (10, 30) in a united state. The first piece (10) is formed with restrictions (17) projecting in a manner to restrict displacements of the first and second pieces (10, 30) in a resilient deforming direction of the resilient lock piece (13) by engaging the second piece (30).