Transverse Locking Member for Enclosure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molded housings for components like battery packs require complex assembly using screws or rivets, which can be cumbersome and may not provide a secure locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring first and second housing halves secured together by a locking member that extends transversely across the abutment plane, using a planar mechanical fastener with forked legs that compress and engage to create a secure, tool-accessible locking mechanism, allowing for axial force transmission and minimal surface relief for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional molded housings are assembled using screws or rivets, then the housing can be securely closed, but the assembly process becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into multiple functional segments: a planar head portion for surface engagement, a transverse body portion that extends through the housing halves, and forked leg portions that engage with corresponding features in the second housing half. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process compared to traditional multi-component fastening systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the fastening element and the locking mechanism. The planar head provides the driving surface for tool engagement, the transverse body extends through both housing halves to provide structural connection, and the forked legs engage with the second housing half to prevent separation. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws, rivets, and locking mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure locking
2Force
If a locking member extends transversely across the abutment plane, then axial force transmission is improved, but the surface relief increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member exhibits local quality variations along its length: the planar head portion provides a flat engagement surface with minimal relief for tool access, the transverse body portion extends through the housing halves to transmit axial forces, and the forked leg portions provide localized engagement features. This variation in local geometry allows optimal performance for each function while minimizing overall surface impact
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member transitions from a two-dimensional planar head to a three-dimensional transverse structure. The planar head lies substantially in the abutment plane for minimal surface relief, while the body portion extends in the transverse direction through both housing halves. This dimensional transition enables the locking member to provide both a low-profile surface appearance and sufficient structural depth for effective force transmission and locking engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure defined by first and second halves that are secured together by a locking member that is slidable lockingly engageable therewith.