Annular Terminal Block with Height Variations for Wiring Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, the linear arrangement of identical terminals in terminal blocks leads to inefficient use of space and increased likelihood of improper wiring due to difficulty in identifying specific terminals, especially when a large number of field devices require numerous wire connections in a confined area.
Innovation Solution
The use of terminal blocks with terminals arranged in an annular geometry and varying heights facilitates efficient space utilization and easy identification of individual terminals, reducing the risk of improper wiring by distinguishing between terminal pairs through alternating heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminals are arranged in a linear arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying specific terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each terminal pair unique through different heights. Specifically, first terminal pairs have a first height while second terminal pairs have a second height, creating local variations that enable easy identification of specific terminals without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional linear arrangement to a three-dimensional arrangement by varying terminal heights. This adds a vertical dimension to terminal identification, allowing operators to distinguish terminal pairs not just by position but by height, thereby improving ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If identical terminals are used throughout, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to distinguish terminal pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes specific terminal pairs distinguishable by assigning different heights to different terminal pairs. First terminal pairs have a first height and second terminal pairs have a second height, creating local variations that facilitate easy identification during operation while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by making terminal pairs have different heights rather than being uniform. This asymmetric design allows operators to easily distinguish between first terminal pairs and second terminal pairs, improving ease of operation without requiring complex manufacturing
3Productivity
If a large number of terminals are placed in a confined space, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in wiring specific terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to terminal arrangement by varying heights of terminal pairs. This three-dimensional arrangement allows more terminals to be packed into a confined horizontal space while maintaining easy identifiability through height variations, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating height variations at specific terminal pair locations. This allows terminals to be densely packed in confined spaces while specific terminal pairs remain easily identifiable through their unique heights, enabling efficient wiring in compact configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
An example terminal block includes an annular arrangement of terminal pairs. Each of the terminal pairs has a first height and is adjacent another terminal pair having a second height different from the first height.