Conductor Marking Assembly With Integrated Terminal Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductor marking and connection systems lack effective mechanisms to securely lock actuating elements of conductor connection terminals in specific positions, leading to potential misalignment and misconnection of electrical conductors.

Innovation Solution

A conductor marking element with a blocking element that locks the actuating element of a conductor connection terminal in a predetermined position, integrated with a holding element for secure attachment to the electrical conductor, allowing for reliable and ergonomic marking and connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conductor marking element is used to mark electrical conductors, then marking functionality is provided, but no locking mechanism is available to secure the actuating element in a predetermined position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the marking function and locking function into a single integrated conductor marking element. The blocking element is formed as an integral part of the marking element, eliminating the need for separate locking components while providing both marking and secure positioning functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor marking element serves multiple functions: it marks the electrical conductor for identification and simultaneously acts as a locking mechanism through its blocking element that prevents the actuating element from moving out of the closed position. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

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

2Ease of operation

If the actuating element can be moved freely between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental movement and misconnection risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidaccidental movement risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed to automatically engage with the actuating element when the conductor marking element is properly positioned on the conductor. This preliminary locking action occurs before any accidental movement can happen, securing the connection in the closed position while still allowing intentional operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the conductor marking element and the actuating element. It provides a controlled restriction that prevents accidental movement while maintaining the ability to perform intentional operations, mediating between freedom of movement and safety constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a blocking element is added to the conductor marking element, then locking functionality is provided, but the complexity of the marking element increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmarking element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is formed as an integral part of the conductor marking element rather than as a separate component. This merging of functions into a single piece reduces the number of parts to assemble and manage, offsetting the increased functional complexity with simplified system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor marking element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides marking, positioning, and locking capabilities. By consolidating these functions into one element, the patent avoids the complexity of managing multiple separate components while maintaining high adaptability and versatility.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4318812B1Assembly with conductor marking element and method for marking and connecting an electrical conductor
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 WAGO VERW GMBH
  • EP4318812B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4318812B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a conductor marking element for marking at least one electrical conductor, wherein the conductor marking element comprises at least one retaining element for mechanically holding the conductor marking element on the at least one electrical conductor. The invention further relates to an arrangement with a conductor terminal, at least one such conductor marking element, and at least one electrical conductor. The invention also relates to a method for marking and connecting an electrical conductor to a conductor terminal.