Current-Sensing Terminal Block for Compact Electrical Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of current sensors with electrical components such as inverters and motors leads to increased component size, hindering miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design where the current sensor is integrated with either the first or second terminal, or housed within a resin housing, eliminating the need for a separate current sensor on the electrical components, allowing for miniaturization by simplifying the configuration and stabilizing electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current sensor is integrated with electrical components such as inverters and motors, then current detection capability is achieved, but the size of the electrical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current sensor with the terminal block to form an integrated assembly. The sensor is positioned within the terminal block structure to detect current flowing through the terminals, eliminating the need for separate current sensors on electrical components like inverters and motors. This merging approach enables current detection while avoiding the size increase that would occur if sensors were integrated directly into those electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block serves as an intermediary component that houses the current sensor. Instead of placing the sensor directly on electrical components, the terminal block acts as a mediator that provides both electrical connection functionality and sensor integration. This intermediary approach allows current detection capability to be added without increasing the size of the primary electrical components.
2Measurement precision
If a separate current sensor is provided for each terminal, then current detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection and current detection capabilities. A single sensor within the terminal block can detect current flowing through multiple terminals by measuring the magnetic field generated by the combined current flow. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate sensors at each terminal while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple current detection functions are merged into a single sensor system within the terminal block. The sensor is positioned to detect the composite magnetic field resulting from current flow through the terminals, allowing one sensor to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors. This combining approach reduces device complexity while preserving measurement capability.
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
This design effectively miniaturizes electrical components by eliminating the need for additional current sensor components, simplifying configurations, and enhancing reliability through stable clamping mechanisms and integrated sensor components.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor for detecting a current that flows through the first terminal or the second terminal is integrated with the first terminal or the second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block that includes: a first terminal electrically connected to an electrical component; and a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal, wherein a current sensor for detecting a current that flows through the first terminal or the second terminal is integrated with the first terminal or the second terminal.