Feed-Through Terminal Fastening for Secure Wall-Opening Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed-through terminals require increased installation space and risk component loss due to separate fastening devices, which complicate secure fastening and assembly in wall openings.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a resilient fastening element and a pivotable actuating part integrated into the terminal housing, eliminating separate components and ensuring secure fixation without increasing installation space, using a clamping surface and toothing for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate locking bracket is used to secure the terminal in the wall opening, then the terminal can be fixed securely, but the installation space required increases and there is a risk of component loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bracket is integrated into the terminal housing as a unified component rather than being a separate part. The housing (6) and locking bracket (19) form a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation space while maintaining secure fastening capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted as a distinct integrated feature within the housing structure. The locking bracket is formed as an integral part of the housing with specific geometric features (arms extending into the wall opening, engagement surfaces) that provide locking capability without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a blocking slide is used to prevent spring catches from springing back, then the terminal can be fixed securely, but the installation space required increases and conductors may become caught

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidconductors caught on protruding blocking slide
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is merged into the housing structure itself. The housing (6) includes integrated blocking features (such as engagement surfaces and geometric constraints) that prevent the spring catches from springing back without requiring a separate protruding blocking slide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed to convert the potential harmful effect of spring catches springing back into a beneficial self-locking mechanism. The spring catches are designed to engage with specific features of the housing that automatically prevent reverse movement, eliminating the need for external blocking components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Volume of moving object

If the fastening device is integrated into the terminal housing, then installation space is reduced and component loss is prevented, but the fastening mechanism must be more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidintegrated fastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated housing is segmented into functional zones: the main housing body (6), the locking bracket portion (19) with arms extending into the wall opening, and the actuating mechanism portion (18). This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining overall integration, simplifying the design compared to multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the housing, using the housing structure itself as part of the actuation system. The operator can actuate the locking mechanism through accessible portions of the housing without requiring external tools or separate components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 integrated fastening system allows for secure and space-efficient fastening of feed-through terminals in wall openings, reducing the risk of component loss and ensuring stable fixation even under vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient fastening element (10) and a pivotable actuating part (11) that can interact with the fastening element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pivotable actuating part (11) that can interact with the fastening element... In the second position of the actuating part, the fastening element is deflected by the actuating part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3476011B1Feed-through terminal
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3476011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476011B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3476011B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

A leadthrough terminal (1) for installation in a wall opening (2) of a housing wall (3) is illustrated and described, having a terminal housing (5) which has an inner section (3) and an outer section (4), wherein in each case one connection element (6, 7) is arranged in the inner section (3) and in the outer section (4), and the two connection elements (6, 7) are connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion, and having a fastening device which can be moved from a released position into a fastening position, in which the terminal housing (5) is fastened in the wall opening (2). In the case of the leadthrough terminal (1) according to the invention, a secure fastening of the leadthrough terminal (1) in the wall opening (2) is possible, with simple actuation, in that the fastening device has a resilient fastening element (10) and a pivotable actuation part (11), wherein the fastening element (10) is fastened, by the first end (12) thereof, to the outer section (5) of the terminal housing (6), and projects, by the second, free end (13) thereof, into the wall opening (2) in the installed state of the leadthrough terminal (1), wherein a clamping surface (14) is formed on the second end (13) of the fastening element (10), and wherein the actuation part (11) is connected by means of a flexible connecting web (15) to the terminal housing (6) and is pivotable from a first position into a second position, and in that, in the second position of the actuation part (11), the fastening element (10) is deflected such that, in the installed state of the leadthrough terminal (1), the second end (13) of the fastening element (10) acts with the clamping surface (14) thereof against an inner edge (16) of the wall opening (2).