Tilting Appliance Mount Locking Button to Prevent Accidental Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical equipment with tilting supports for wall mounting can be accidentally activated by foot traffic, leading to unintended ejection and potential damage, and the repeated tilting action causes wear on the trim, compromising the equipment's appearance and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A locking system requiring a combined pressing and pulling action on the actuating button to secure the device support in either raised or lowered positions, utilizing a latch mechanism with compression springs and a beveled interface to prevent accidental activation and reduce wear on the trim.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple button pull mechanism is used to activate the tilting support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental activation by foot traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The activation mechanism changes from a single-action pull to a two-stage press-and-pull sequence, fundamentally altering the operational parameters to prevent accidental activation while maintaining ease of intentional operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The button must first be pressed down before pulling, creating a preliminary action that prevents accidental activation. This preliminary press action ensures that only deliberate operations can trigger the tilting mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the latch is positioned to engage at the end of the tilting stroke, then the locking reliability is improved, but the durability deteriorates due to repeated rubbing against the trim

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The latch engagement surface is changed from a flat rubbing interface to a beveled angled surface, allowing the latch to engage smoothly without repeated frictional contact with the trim, thereby preserving durability while maintaining locking reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enhances security and durability by preventing accidental ejection and minimizing wear on the trim, ensuring safe and reliable operation while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

return means which permanently push the latch towards a locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

return means which permanently push the latch towards a locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a button for actuating the latch, which, in an actuation position, is capable of being moved in translation parallel to the mean plane of the finishing plate to pull the latch against said return means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2458700B1Electrical appliance with tilting appliance mounting
Publication Date: 2015.02.18 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2458700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2458700B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2458700B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to electrical equipment (100) comprising: - an equipment support (110) mounted to tilt through an opening in a cover plate (120), and - a locking system comprising a latch (210) mounted for translation along a direction (D) parallel to the cover plate, return means (230) that continuously push the latch towards a locked position, and an actuating button (220) which, in an actuated position, is adapted to be moved in translation parallel to the cover plate to pull the latch against said return means. According to the invention, the actuating button is adapted to be moved in translation along an axis (X) perpendicular to said direction (D) of translation, between a raised rest position in which it is located away from the latch and the lowered actuating position in which it cooperates with the latch.