Universal Transformer Box Latch Assembly for Warped Enclosures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transformer boxes often rust and deteriorate, especially around the security latch assembly, making replacement difficult due to varying designs and potential warping, leading to high replacement costs and alignment issues.

Innovation Solution

A universal security latch assembly featuring a bracket with an outwardly extending flange, a hinged assembly, and a cup that allows for adjustable alignment and secure fastening, accommodating different transformer box designs and compensating for warping through oversized apertures and a pentabolt fastener for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a traditional security latch assembly is used on transformer boxes, then the transformer box can be secured shut, but the latch assembly becomes difficult to replace when rusted due to varying designs and warping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of latch assembly replacementVSAvoidadaptability to different transformer box designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is designed with a standardized configuration that can be universally applied to different transformer box designs. The bracket, hinged assembly, and cup components are engineered with consistent mounting patterns and alignment features that accommodate various box types, eliminating the need for custom latch assemblies for each transformer box design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch assembly is divided into separate replaceable components including the bracket, hinged assembly, and cup. This segmentation allows individual parts to be replaced independently rather than replacing the entire latch assembly, facilitating easier repair when specific components rust or wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the transformer box is secured with a traditional latch assembly, then security is provided, but alignment issues occur when the box warps due to sun exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of transformer boxVSAvoidalignment of latch components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly incorporates adjustable mounting features that allow for dynamic alignment compensation. The bracket and cup include oversized apertures and adjustable positioning capabilities that enable installers to realign components when the transformer box warps due to thermal expansion from sun exposure, maintaining proper lock engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rusted portions of the transformer box around the latch assembly are replaced, then the structural integrity is restored, but the latch assembly must also be replaced which increases cost and difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of transformer boxVSAvoidcomplexity of replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is designed as a modular system with distinct separable components (bracket, hinged assembly, cup) that can be independently replaced. This allows the latch mechanism to be separated from the transformer box structure, enabling replacement of only the rusted box portions while retaining functional latch components, thereby reducing overall replacement cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If a custom latch assembly is designed for each transformer box design, then perfect fit and alignment are achieved, but the cost and time for replacement increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit and alignment precisionVSAvoidtime for latch assembly replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized latch assembly design is developed that can be universally installed on multiple transformer box designs. The universal bracket and cup configurations with standardized aperture patterns enable quick installation and replacement without requiring custom-designed latch assemblies for each transformer box model, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining adequate fit and alignment through adjustable mounting features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8273984B2Security latch device for a transformer box

Publication Date: 2012.09.25 COMBS GEORGE W

AI summary

A security latch device is provided. The device includes a bracket for being attached to a structure and having an outwardly extending flange having a lock pin slot defined therein, a hinged assembly defining a first hinged portion for being attached to the structure and a second hinged portion for being cooperatively engaged with the bracket, the second hinged portion defining a slot for allowing pass-through of the outwardly extending flange of the bracket, and a cup for attaching to the second portion of the hinged assembly and defining a cavity therein and an aperture therethrough that is in general alignment with the lock pin slot of the bracket so that the lock pin is configured for being received in the cavity and extending through the aperture of the cup and the lock pin slot of the bracket for securing the hinged assembly to the bracket.