Connector Module Latch Structure for Tool-Free Terminal Block Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector modules require the use of tools for removing terminal blocks, making repair and maintenance inconvenient, and often result in material waste and high costs due to the need to discard entire units for minor issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector module with a latch structure that allows the terminal block to be removed tool-free, featuring a base with a housing, a terminal block, and latch structures with a locking mechanism that includes a rotatable locking member and pull handles for easy detachment and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws are used to fasten the terminal block onto the base, then the terminal block can be removed for repair or replacement, but additional hand tools are required to unfasten the screws, making the operation tedious and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure enables the terminal block to be removed and installed by hand without requiring additional tools. The latch portion and locking member work together to provide automatic engagement and disengagement through simple manual manipulation, making the system self-sufficient for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the terminal block to be securely fastened during normal operation but easily removed when needed, providing adaptability between stability and mobility states.
2Reliability
If the entire connector module is submitted for inspection and repair when an error occurs in one terminal hole, then reliable repair can be ensured, but material waste increases and costs rise due to replacing the entire unit
Solution Approach 1:
The connector module is divided into separable components: the base and the terminal block. This segmentation allows the terminal block to be removed and replaced independently from the base, enabling repair of only the affected component rather than the entire assembly, thus reducing material waste while maintaining repair reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the terminal block to be discarded and replaced as a separate unit from the base. When a terminal hole errors occur, only the terminal block needs to be replaced while the base can be retained and reused, recovering valuable materials and reducing waste from complete unit replacement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the terminal block is designed for permanent attachment to the base, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to perform repair or replacement operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure provides a dynamic connection that transitions between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the locking member engages with the latch portion to provide stable attachment. During repair operations, the locking member can be rotated to the unlocked position, enabling easy removal and replacement of the terminal block.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-latching mechanism automatically secures the terminal block to the base without requiring additional fastening operations, providing structural stability while maintaining ease of repair through simple manual manipulation of the latch structure.
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 convenient and tool-free removal and reassembly of the terminal block, improving repair and maintenance operations while reducing material waste and costs by allowing for partial component replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is rotatably attached onto the pivotal attachment axle via the circular ring
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector module with a latch structure includes a base (10), a terminal block (20) and latch structures (30). The base (10) includes a housing (11) having an accommodating space (A), and the incommoding space (A) includes a positioning member (113). The terminal block (20) is inserted into the accommodating space (A) and includes an insertion main body (21) and conductive terminals (22). Each latch structure (30) is arranged between the housing (11) and the insertion main body (21), which includes a latch portion (31) formed on the insertion main body (21) and a locking member (32) rotatably connected to the housing (11) on one side of the positioning member (113). The locking member (32) includes a locking portion (322) for locking onto the latch portion (31) and locking slots (324) provided for the positioning member (113). Accordingly, the terminal block can be removed without the use of any tools.