Wire Locking Device With Lateral Insertion And Snap Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire locking systems for domestic appliances are complex, expensive, and difficult to assemble, especially with medium or large terminals and wires of varying diameters, often requiring manual insertion and multiple steps, which complicates the process and increases time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A wire locking system featuring a shell device with lateral openings and snap-type fasteners that allows for horizontal and vertical movement to securely lock the wire, eliminating the need for individual wire insertion and simplifying the assembly process by using a shell device with semi-cylindrical portions and cantilevered fasteners for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wire locking systems are used with medium or large terminals and wires of varying diameters, then reliable wire locking is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire locking reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wire insertion and locking operations into a single integrated action. The shell device with lateral openings allows the wire to be inserted horizontally while the snap-type fasteners automatically engage with the seat's undercut elements, combining what were previously separate manual steps into one automated motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the wire through the lateral opening, provides structural containment, and incorporates snap-type fasteners that engage with the seat. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide holes, locking mechanisms, and fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional wire locking systems are used, then secure wire fixation is achieved, but assembly time increases due to multiple manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire fixation securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-type fasteners are pre-positioned on the shell device in a ready-to-engage state. The lateral openings are pre-configured to guide the wire directly to the engagement point. When the shell is inserted horizontally, the fasteners automatically snap into the undercut elements without requiring manual positioning or multiple adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If guide holes with minimum diameter are used for wire insertion, then space constraints are satisfied, but wire insertion becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidwire insertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the wire vertically through a narrow guide hole from above or below, the patent provides lateral openings that allow horizontal insertion. This dimensional change enables the wire to pass through the shell device from the side, avoiding the constraints of vertical guide holes and facilitating easier automated manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system provides a slimmer, simpler, and automatable solution for wire locking, reducing assembly time and complexity while ensuring secure fixation without damaging insulation, and can be easily repeated for multiple wire terminations.

Implementation Method 1

the outer surface of at least one of said structural elements forming said shell device is provided in its lower part with protruding or cantilevered fasteners, such as snap-type fixing teeth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pressure creating a high friction at the longitudinal sliding and rotation is exerted, without damaging the insulation and the conductor elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3509175B1Wire locking device
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 B D G EL
  • EP3509175B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509175B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509175B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for locking one or more wires which comprises: a) a shell device provided at its inside of a first cavity suitable for housing the wires, and b) a plate provided with a seat consisting of a main body provided at its inside of a second cavity suitable for housing the shell device. The main body of the seat is furthermore provided with a lateral opening of such a dimension to allow the passage of the single wire through it and therefore the vertical insertion and locking of the shell itself in the cavity of the main body of the seat arranged in the plate. In this way, thanks to the lateral opening, the shell device that includes at its inside the wires can be inserted into the seat prepared on the plate with a vertical movement, after the wire has been inserted with a lateral movement avoiding to insert the wires individually one by one for the whole length as in the known art.