DIN Rail Conductor Terminal Locking Foot With Secured Actuating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conductor terminals risk damage due to improper tool usage for actuation, and there is a need for a safer and more intuitive actuation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element is integrated into the terminal housing to securely attach an actuating element via a positive fit and/or frictional connection, allowing for permanent fixation and intuitive operation, even without a specialized tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recess is provided for holding an actuating element, then the actuating element can be inserted easily, but the actuating element may be lost or damaged if not properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a recess for receiving the actuating element and a separate fastening element for securing it. This segmentation allows the recess to focus on ease of insertion while the fastening element provides security, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is nested within the recess and secured by the fastening element, creating a nested structure where the actuating element is held safely within the terminal housing. This nesting ensures the actuating element cannot be lost while maintaining easy access for insertion and removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If a specialized tool is required for actuation, then precise control is achieved, but the device becomes less accessible to users without specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed with multi-functionality: it can be a specialized tool for precise control or a simple everyday object like a flat screwdriver for general use. This universality allows the device to maintain precise actuation control while being accessible to users with different tool availability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed to be self-servicing by accepting common tools like flat screwdrivers that users already possess, eliminating the need to specialize tools. The recess and fastening element configuration allows any flat-bladed tool to function effectively, making the device self-sufficient and universally accessible.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuating element is made as a separate component, then manufacturing flexibility and optimization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the actuating element from the terminal housing allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function. The terminal housing focuses on providing the recess and fastening mechanism, while the actuating element can be optimized for its actuation function, improving ease of manufacture through specialized production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element serves multiple functions: it secures the actuating element in place, provides a reference for proper insertion, and can engage with different actuating element designs. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by providing versatile benefits that offset the increased device complexity.
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
The solution ensures secure attachment of the actuating element, preventing loss and enabling safe, intuitive actuation of the locking foot, suitable for various user environments and tools, including robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
to which the actuating element can be fixed in a loss-proof manner by means of a positive fit and/or frictional connection
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor terminal having a terminal housing with a locking device for snapping the terminal housing onto a DIN rail, wherein the locking device has a first locking foot that can be elastically displaced relative to the terminal housing, which has a recess for holding an actuating element with which the first locking foot can be elastically displaced. A set formed of such a conductor terminal and an actuating element is also provided.