Cross-connection comb identification plate integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cross-connection combs lack a simple and effective method for providing identification information, especially after being shortened by breaking off plug contacts, which complicates later identification and documentation in electrical systems.

Innovation Solution

A legible identification plate with a writable or labelable text field is integrated into the cross-connection comb, allowing it to be broken off tool-free, and is designed as a one-piece plastic molded part with a frame border for stability and material efficiency, optionally including a hanging strap for storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cross-connection comb is shortened by breaking off excess plug contacts, then the cross-connection comb can be adapted to different applications, but the identification information becomes difficult to read and document

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoididentification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The identification plate is segmented from the mounting rail through predetermined breaking points, allowing the identification plate to be separated and kept for documentation while the mounting rail is shortened. This segmentation enables the identification information to be preserved independently of the physical length of the cross-connection comb.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If identification information is applied directly to the cross-connection comb, then identification is possible, but the information cannot be preserved after the comb is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification information preservationVSAvoididentification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification plate is pre-integrated into the mounting rail as a unified component during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the identification information is already in place before any shortening operation, and the predetermined breaking points are pre-established to facilitate clean separation that preserves the identification plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the identification plate is made as a separate component, then it can be removed for documentation, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification plate removalVSAvoidproduction process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identification plate and mounting rail are merged into a single integrated component during the molding process, with the identification plate formed as an integral part of the plastic coating. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps, simplifying production while still allowing easy separation at the predetermined breaking points for documentation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2367244B1Cross-connection comb
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP2367244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2367244B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The comb (10) has a supporting rail (11) with plug contacts (14), where connection areas comprise reference breaking point notches between the rail and the plug contacts for breakage of the contacts. The rail has a marker plate (12) at a front end. The marker plate comprises a writable or labelable text field (13). A casing of the marker plate forms a single piece plastic mold part together with plastic coating of the rail. The casing is formed as a frame in a bulged manner. A hanging strap provided at the marker plate comprises a borehole that lies in a circular impact unit of a sheet plate.