Compact Disconnect Terminal with Perpendicular Separating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnect terminals require significant space for signal separation due to the need for a large clearance and creepage distance, limiting their compactness while maintaining high dielectric strength and reliable signal separation.
Innovation Solution
The disconnect terminal design features contact elements arranged almost perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, with a separating element moving in a direction nearly perpendicular to the terminal's longitudinal extent, reducing the space required for the disconnect point and allowing for a more compact design. This is achieved through a translational movement of the separating element, which can be actuated using a screw or plug-in mechanism, with visual and tactile indicators to confirm the signal circuit's open or closed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large clearance and creepage distance is provided for signal separation, then dielectric strength and reliable signal separation are ensured, but the terminal size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension of contact elements from longitudinal (along the terminal length) to transverse (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). This dimensional change allows the separating element to effectively isolate signals while minimizing the longitudinal extent of the terminal, thus achieving compactness without compromising signal separation reliability
2Reliability
If a pivotable isolating knife is used to interrupt the signal circuit, then signal separation is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional pivotable isolating knife that rotates to make contact, the patent inverts the approach by using a separating element that translates linearly to break contact. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the need for pivot pins and rotational joints, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable signal separation
Solution Approach 2:
The separating element is divided into distinct functional segments: an actuating portion for external operation, a separating portion for contact interruption, and an indicating portion for status visualization. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall disconnect mechanism while maintaining reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If contact elements are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, then conventional terminal design is maintained, but the space required for the disconnect mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges contact elements perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the terminal rather than along it. This transverse arrangement allows the disconnect mechanism to operate in a direction perpendicular to the terminal's main axis, significantly reducing the longitudinal space required for the disconnect mechanism while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized perpendicular mounting
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal block (1) with a terminal housing (2), with at least two electrically conductive contact elements (3, 4), with at least two conductor connection elements (5) for connecting electrical conductors and with at least one separating element (6) movably arranged in the terminal housing (2), wherein the separating element (6) has a longitudinal axis (L), and wherein the two electrically conductive contact elements (3, 4) are connected to each other in a first position of the separating element (6) and are separated from each other in a second position of the separating element (6).In the terminal block according to the invention, a reduction in the space requirement for the separation point between the contact elements and the separating element is possible with simple actuation of the separating element by arranging the contact elements (3, 4) one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the separating element (6), by arranging the separating element (6) movably in the terminal housing (2) in the direction of its longitudinal axis (L), and by the direction of movement (B) of the separating element (6) being different from the direction of the longitudinal extension (E) of the terminal block (1).