Cable Bridge Module for Terminal Block Bridging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal block arrangements face complexity in bridging connecting terminals with different geometries, requiring specially designed plug-in bridges, which complicates the process of achieving the same electrical potential between terminals.

Innovation Solution

A cable bridge module with a pivoting or pressing actuating element that can be easily inserted into bridge shafts of connecting terminals, allowing for electrical contact between busbars, enabling simple bridging of terminals regardless of their positioning, using a contact pin or cutting insert for connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specially geometrically shaped plug-in bridges with contact pins at predetermined positions are used to bridge connecting terminals, then the electrical potential of connecting terminals can be connected, but the device complexity and geometric design become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidplug-in bridge geometric complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the bridging function into two separate components: a standardized cable bridge module that provides the electrical connection interface, and a flexible cable that adapts to various geometric arrangements. This segmentation allows the module to remain simple while the cable accommodates different terminal positions and orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable bridge module is designed with universal functionality to work with connecting terminals in any geometric arrangement. Instead of requiring specially shaped bridges for each configuration, the standardized module with contact pins and cable connection can universally bridge terminals regardless of their position or orientation on mounting rails.

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

2Ease of operation

If standardized cable bridge modules are used for bridging connecting terminals, then the ease of operation and installation are improved, but additional components (cable, module assembly) are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal bridging easeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cable bridge module incorporates self-contained features including integrated contact pins, cable connection interfaces, and insulation elements. The module is designed to be self-assembled and self-configuring, reducing the need for additional separate components while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If plug-in bridges are inserted into bridge shafts of connecting terminals, then the busbars of connecting terminals are electrically connected, but the geometric design must match specific configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidgeometric arrangement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces flexibility through the cable connection, allowing the electrical connection to adapt dynamically to different geometric arrangements. The cable can be routed and positioned to connect terminals in various configurations, while the standardized module maintains reliable electrical contact through its contact pins interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy and efficient electrical bridging of connecting terminals, allowing for the same electrical potential across terminals, even when they are positioned differently, with a user-friendly design that simplifies operation and supports terminals on various mounting rails.

Implementation Method 1

the first contact area of the electrical contact of the first cable bridge module is electrically connected to the busbar of the first connection terminal, and by inserting a second cable bridge module in the bridging shaft of a second connection terminal in such a way that the first contact area of the electrical contact of the second cable bridging module is electrically connected to the busbar of the second connection terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3590153B1Terminal block arrangement
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3590153B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3590153B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3590153B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable bridge module (100, 200) for electrically bridging two electrical connection terminals (20), each of which has a bus bar and a bridge shaft (23), by means of which the bus bar can be electrically contacted, the cable bridge module comprising: an electrically insulating housing (110, 210); a conductor receptacle (121, 211) for receiving an electrical conductor (10); an electrical contact (130, 230) having a first contact region (131, 231) protruding out of the housing (110, 210) for electrically contacting a bus bar of a connection terminal (20) and having a second contact region (132, 232) arranged in the housing (110, 210) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor (10); and an actuating element (120, 220), which can be moved relative to the housing (110, 210) between a receiving position, in which the electrical conductor (10) can be inserted into the conductor receptacle (121, 211), and a contact position, in which the electrical conductor (10) is galvanically connected to the second contact region (132, 232).