Two Position Latch Assembly for Junction Block Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing junction block mounting systems in confined areas, such as electrical raceways, are difficult to install and remove due to limited access and potential binding issues with prior latching mechanisms, which often require special alignment and can be cumbersome when trying to insert from one side.
Innovation Solution
A two-position latch assembly with cantilever beams and lateral extensions that allow the junction block to be inserted and removed from either side, featuring a first and second capturing mechanism to accommodate retainer tabs of varying lengths, ensuring proper alignment and easy engagement/disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art latching mechanism with opposing interlocking members is used, then the junction block can be secured to the support member, but the mechanism requires special alignment and is difficult to insert from one side
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is inverted so that the channel opening faces downward instead of upward, allowing the retainer tab to be inserted from above. This inversion enables easy one-sided insertion while maintaining secure latching, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel is pre-formed with an opening that accommodates the retainer tab during insertion. The downward-facing opening is designed in advance to receive the tab, eliminating the need for complex alignment during installation and enabling straightforward one-sided insertion.
2Reliability
If a cantilever beam latch with raised free end is used, then the latch can engage the tab, but the free end abuts against the tab and prevents easy installation from one side
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilever beam latch is inverted so the channel opening faces downward, allowing the retainer tab to be inserted from above rather than having the free end abut against it. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy installation while maintaining reliable engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the interlocking members are depressed, then the latch can disengage, but the grooved section is reduced in size causing binding of the tab
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-section is varied along its length, with the opening being larger at the insertion end and smaller toward the retention end. This local quality change allows easy insertion while preventing tab binding during disengagement, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If junction blocks are mounted near the floor in confined areas, then wiring requirements can be met, but access for installation and removal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The downward-facing channel opening allows the retainer tab to be inserted from above, enabling technicians to install and remove junction blocks from easily accessible upper areas rather than reaching into confined lower spaces. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A junction block housing (400) is releasably coupled to a structural member (402) through the use of mounting lugs (404, 406) and brackets (408, 410). A latch assembly (428) consists of a first cantilever beam (430) and a second cantilever beam (432). A center extension (436) and lateral extensions (438) are coupled to said cantilever beams (430, 432) so as to releasably capture a retainer tab (426) at either of two positions relative to said junction block housing (400).