Actuation Pusher Labeling Surface Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connection terminals require additional space for labeling, which increases their dimensions and makes them unsuitable for certain applications, as existing solutions necessitate an extra receptacle for marking.

Innovation Solution

The actuation pusher of the electrical connection terminal features a labeling surface on an end face that can be externally marked without additional space, with a stepped and angled actuation surface for tool engagement, allowing for clear visibility and secure tool support, eliminating the need for an extra receptacle on the terminal housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an additional receptacle is provided on the terminal housing for labeling, then the connection terminal can be clearly identified and distinguished, but the dimensions of the terminal housing increase and installation space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling capabilityVSAvoidterminal housing dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the labeling function with the existing actuation pusher component. The labeling surface is integrated directly onto the end face of the actuation pusher, merging two functions (actuation and labeling) into a single component. This eliminates the need for a separate receptacle on the terminal housing, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while providing clear identification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the labeling surface and actuation surface are arranged in the same plane, then the end face is simple in structure, but tool engagement is less secure and tool slippage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend face structureVSAvoidtool engagement security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stepped arrangement. The actuation surface is positioned at a lower level than the labeling surface, creating a vertical dimension difference. This stepped configuration provides a defined edge that prevents tool slippage while maintaining structural clarity, effectively using vertical space to enhance tool engagement security.

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

This design enables marking of the connection terminal with reduced space requirements, maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring clear visibility and secure tool engagement, thus optimizing space usage and preventing tool slippage during actuation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring force element arranged within the terminal housing for clamping a conductor inserted into the terminal housing to a contact surface provided within the terminal housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a marking, for example in the form of a print or inscription, for example by means of a laser or a pad printing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser marking: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

a marking, for example in the form of a print or inscription, for example by means of a laser or a pad printing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPad printing: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2543112B1Electric connection terminal
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2543112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2543112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric connection terminal, comprising a terminal housing (22), in which an actuating trigger (10) for actuating a spring force element (26) arranged in the terminal housing (22) is movably arranged, wherein according to the invention the actuating trigger (10) has a labeling surface (12) on an end face surface (20) for marking the actuating trigger (10).