Convertible Electric Terminal Assembly for Mining Drive Unit Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and de-installation of electric terminal assemblies in drive units of mining machines are time- and cost-consuming, particularly requiring high effort and skilled personnel.

Innovation Solution

An electric terminal assembly with a junction box and a connecting element that can be convertibly arranged into at least two different configurations, matching different structural arrangements of the drive unit, facilitating easier installation and de-installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electric terminal assembly is designed to be convertibly arranged into at least two different configurations, then the adaptability to different structural arrangements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurability of electric terminal assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of electric terminal assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric terminal assembly is divided into separate modular components including a junction box and a connecting element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and arranged in different configurations, enabling adaptability to various structural arrangements without requiring the entire assembly to be complex. The modular nature facilitates easy reconfiguration by simply repositioning individual segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electric terminal assembly is designed with universal features that enable it to perform multiple functions and adapt to different structural arrangements. The junction box and connecting element can be arranged in at least two different configurations, allowing the same basic components to serve various mounting conditions and drive unit layouts, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the electric terminal assembly uses a modular design, then the ease of manufacture and reusability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular manufacturing of electric terminal assemblyVSAvoidprecision of modular components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electric terminal assembly is segmented into standardized modular components such as the junction box and connecting element. These modules are designed with precise manufacturing specifications that enable consistent reproduction and easy assembly. The segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with controlled precision requirements, facilitating mass production and reusability while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision through standardized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the electric terminal assembly is designed for easy installation and de-installation, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of electrical connections may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speed of electric terminal assemblyVSAvoidreliability of electrical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric terminal assembly is segmented into the junction box and connecting element, which can be easily separated and reconnected. This segmentation enables quick installation and de-installation by allowing workers to simply disconnect the connecting element from the junction box without complex procedures. The modular design maintains connection reliability through standardized connection interfaces that ensure proper electrical contact when assembled correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electric terminal assembly is pre-configured with standardized connection interfaces and mounting features during manufacturing. The junction box and connecting element are designed with predetermined connection points and alignment features that guide proper assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that installation can be performed quickly by simply connecting pre-designed interfaces, while the pre-engineered connection structures maintain reliable electrical contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12328054B2Electric terminal assembly of a drive unit for use in a mining machine
Publication Date: 2025.06.10 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US12328054B2 patent drawing
  • US12328054B2 patent drawing
  • US12328054B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention refers to an electric terminal assembly of a drive unit for use in a mining machine. The electric terminal assembly comprises a junction box configured to be mounted to the drive unit and a connecting element for communicatively connecting the junction box to a control device of the drive unit. The electric terminal assembly is configured to be convertibly arranged into at least two different configurations, each of which is associated to a different structural arrangement of the drive unit.