Electric Terminal Layout for Smaller Tool Access Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric apparatuses, such as power converters and motors, require large openings and casings due to the radial arrangement of terminals, which obstructs the demand for downsizing these components.
Innovation Solution
A terminal structure with terminals arranged such that their connecting parts intersect at obtuse angles and normal lines pass through a tool insertion opening outside the case, reducing the size of the tool insertion opening and the overall case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If terminals are arranged radially along the outer circumferential surface of the motor housing, then the connecting structure is simplified and wiring connection is facilitated, but a large opening and large case are required, increasing the overall size of the electric apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement of terminals along the outer circumferential surface to a planar arrangement where terminal connecting surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. This dimensional reorganization allows terminals to be positioned within a compact case without requiring a large opening, as the connecting surfaces are oriented to face a common access direction rather than radiating outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple terminal connecting surfaces into a compact configuration where they are substantially parallel and positioned within a small opening area. This consolidation allows the tool insertion opening to be minimized while still providing access to all terminal connecting surfaces for wiring connections.
2Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided in the case to access radially arranged terminals, then tool insertion for wiring connection is enabled, but the case and lid size must be large, obstructing downsizing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized access region with a small opening positioned to provide direct access to the terminal connecting surfaces. The opening is strategically located and sized to accommodate tool insertion for wiring connections while minimizing the overall case dimensions. This localized access approach allows the majority of the case to remain compact while still enabling necessary operational access.
3Area of stationary object
If terminals are arranged with connecting surfaces parallel to each other within a compact case, then the case size is reduced, but the terminal arrangement becomes more complex compared to radial placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the terminal connecting surfaces from their traditional radial positions along the motor housing and relocates them to a compact arrangement within the case. By positioning the connecting surfaces with their normal lines intersecting at points outside the case, the design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining accessibility, as the parallel arrangement with external intersection points creates a more regular and manageable configuration.
4Area of stationary object
If the normal lines of terminal connecting surfaces intersect at points outside the case, then the case size is minimized, but the geometric constraints on terminal positioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the intersection points of normal lines as external reference markers that mediate the positioning of terminal connecting surfaces. By requiring that normal lines intersect at points outside the case, the design creates a geometric constraint system where the intersection points serve as external anchors, simplifying the internal case geometry while providing precise positioning references for terminal installation and manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal structure includes mutually adjacent first and second terminals, each having a connecting part for electric connection to an external apparatus, and a case accommodating the terminals and having a tool insertion opening. The connecting parts have a flat connecting surface. When first and second virtual planes along the connecting surfaces and first and second normal lines to the connecting surfaces are drawn, the virtual planes intersect with each other at an obtuse angle, and when viewed from one side in a direction in which a line intersection between the virtual planes extends, the normal lines pass through the opening and intersect with each other at an opposite side of the disposed positions of the connecting parts with respect to a position at half of the shorter one of first and second distances from the first and second virtual planes to the opening.