Terminal Unit Panel with Inclined Guide Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal units with detachable panels face difficulties in attaching and detaching due to the need for strong force and precise adjustment of claw projections, which complicates manufacturing and risks damage to the panel or main body.
Innovation Solution
A terminal unit design featuring a main body with a guide rim and a flexible panel with inclined guide faces on claws that intersect the guide rim, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without catching, and adjustable claw length for manufacturing ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the panel is designed to cover the entire front surface for deluxe appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the area available for attaching the panel to the main body is reduced, requiring stronger force to curve and attach the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The panel attachment system is segmented into multiple claws distributed at different positions (upper and lower sides) rather than relying on a single attachment point. This segmentation allows the panel to be attached through distributed engagement points, reducing the force required at any single location while maintaining full panel coverage for aesthetic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane attachment approach to a multi-dimensional attachment system by positioning claws at different locations (upper side claws 11a and lower side claws 11b) and using multi-layer engagement (first engaging holes 7a and second engaging holes 7b). This dimensional distribution reduces the curvature force needed while preserving full panel surface coverage.
2Ease of operation
If the claw length is finely adjusted to facilitate panel attachment and detachment, then the attachment ease is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to difficulty in making the die
Solution Approach 1:
The claw structure is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing the claws to bend and adapt during attachment and detachment operations. The claws 11a and 11b are made of flexible material that can deform to engage with the engaging holes, eliminating the need for extremely precise fixed-length adjustments and simplifying die manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fixing the claw length with high precision, the invention allows the claw length parameter to be within a broader range, relying on the flexibility of the claw material to achieve proper engagement. This parameter relaxation simplifies die manufacturing while the flexible nature of the claws ensures adequate attachment functionality.
3Strength
If strong force is applied to curve the panel for attachment, then the attachment strength is improved, but the risk of damaging the panel or main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment force is segmented and distributed across multiple claws positioned at different locations (upper side claws 11a and lower side claws 11b). Instead of concentrating strong force at a single point which could cause damage, the force is distributed across multiple engagement points, reducing the risk of damaging the panel or main body while maintaining adequate attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible claws 11a and 11b dynamically adapt to the engagement holes 7a and 7b during attachment, allowing gradual engagement rather than sudden force application. This dynamic interaction reduces peak forces and minimizes the risk of damage to either the panel or main body while achieving secure attachment.
4Ease of operation
If the panel is detached by pushing up the central portion with force, then the detachment is achieved, but the telephone main body or claws could be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The detachment process utilizes the segmented claw structure where claws 11a and 11b can be independently disengaged from engaging holes 7a and 7b. By pushing up the central portion, the panel is lifted and the claws naturally disengage from the engaging holes through their flexible nature, achieving detachment without concentrating force that could damage the main body or claws.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible claws act as intermediaries between the panel and main body, absorbing and distributing the detachment force. When the central portion is pushed up, the flexible claws flex and release from the engaging holes gradually, mediating the detachment process to prevent direct transmission of damaging forces to the main body or claws.
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
Facilitates easy detachment and attachment of the panel without damaging the unit, simplifying the manufacturing process by allowing smooth engagement and disengagement of claws with engaging holes.
Implementation Method 1
the guide face 5a extends to slantingly intersect the guide rim 6b
Implementation Method 2
the panel 11 is curved about the axis in the longitudinal direction Y
Data Source
AI summary
In a terminal unit including a main body and a flexible panel coupled to a main body, the main body including a first engaging section having a guide rim. The flexible panel is mounted to the main body by using the first engaging section. The panel includes a first claw which is engaged with the first engaging section. The first claw has a guide face which extends to slantingly intersect the guide rim of the first engaging section.