Elastic Retracting Fixation Member for Terminal Block Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks have complex and time-consuming cable connection processes, leading to high labor costs and a risk of lost or fallen parts during assembly, posing safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block with an elastic retracting fixation member, featuring an insulation base, cover member, conductive assembly, and an elastic retracting fixation member that includes an elastic element and a fixation element, which retracts into the cover member after disengagement, preventing loss and ensuring secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nut is removed completely during cable connection, then the cable can be placed in position, but the nut may fall off or be lost, creating safety concerns and difficulty in searching
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member is nested within the cover member, forming a telescopic structure where the fixation member can be inserted into and retracted from the cover member. This nesting arrangement ensures that the fixation member cannot be completely removed and lost, while still allowing access for cable connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-installed between the fixation member and the cover member, creating a pre-tensioned system. This preliminary action ensures that when the fixation member is released, it automatically retracts into the cover member without requiring additional steps, preventing loss before it can occur.
2Ease of manufacture
If all assembly components are independent from each other, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the cable connection process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member and cover member are merged into a integrated telescopic assembly, where the fixation member is permanently associated with the cover member through the elastic element. This merging eliminates the need for separate handling of multiple independent components during assembly, simplifying the cable connection process while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the fixation member can be completely removed, then access to the cable insertion slot is improved, but the risk of parts falling into machine or equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member transitions from a static, completely removable component to a dynamic telescopic structure. It can extend outward to allow access for cable connection, then automatically retract using the elastic element's recovery force. This dynamic behavior provides both accessibility and safety, preventing parts from falling into equipment.
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
Simplifies wiring steps, reduces labor costs, and eliminates the risk of lost or fallen parts, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by using the elastic element's recovery force to retain the fixation element within the terminal block.
Implementation Method 1
the fixation element is configured to retract into the cover member via a recovery force of the elastic element after being disengaged from the carrying member
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block (1) with an elastic retracting fixation member, including an insulation base (10) having a cavity (13) and a cable insertion slot (14) communicating with the cavity (13), a cover member (20) covering the insulation base (10) and having a tool access hole (23), a conductive assembly (30) arranged in the cavity (13) and having a carrying member (32), and an elastic retracting fixation member (40) arranged corresponding to the tool access hole (23) and having an elastic element (41) and a fixation element (42), the elastic element (41) arranged between the fixation element (42) and the cover member (20), the fixation element (42) being operatively disengaged from the cover member (20) to attach to the carrying member (32) and retracting into the cover member (20) via a recovery force of the elastic element (41). Accordingly, it is able to prevent disengagement of the fixation member effectively.