Ferrule Terminal Block Step Structure for Visible Full Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators often misunderstand the complete insertion of a ferrule terminal with a collar portion into a housing due to the feeling of engagement with a plate spring, leading to insufficient insertion, which is difficult to visually recognize.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal block with a housing design featuring a first surface and a second surface separated by a step, where the ferrule terminal's collar portion abuts an abutting portion to inhibit further insertion, allowing visual confirmation of correct insertion by positioning the proximal end of the collar between the surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spring terminal structure is used for connecting ferrule terminals, then the connection process becomes simpler and faster, but it becomes difficult to visually recognize whether the insertion has been completed correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indication through color or transparency changes. The housing includes a transparent or translucent portion that allows visual confirmation of the ferrule terminal's insertion depth. The collar portion of the ferrule terminal is designed to be visible through this transparent portion, enabling operators to immediately recognize whether the terminal has been inserted to the correct depth without additional markings or indicators.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing is made compact to reduce space usage, then the device size is reduced, but the operator's ability to visually confirm proper insertion is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin translucent or transparent film/housing portion that maintains compact dimensions while providing visual access to the insertion area. This transparent portion acts as a window through which the collar depth can be observed, combining the benefits of compact size with visual confirmability without requiring additional space for separate indication mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If the insertion depth tolerance is reduced to improve connection precision, then the electrical connection becomes more reliable, but the difficulty of achieving correct insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback by making the collar portion visible through the transparent housing portion. As the ferrule terminal is inserted, the operator can continuously observe the position of the collar relative to reference markings or the housing edge, providing real-time feedback that guides the operator to achieve the precise insertion depth without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps.
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
Enables clear visual recognition of complete insertion and prevents loosening and pull-out of the ferrule terminal, ensuring stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
an abutting portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole and configured to, when the ferrule terminal is inserted, abut with a leading end of the collar portion to inhibit further insertion
Data Source
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AI summary
A housing (15) includes a first surface (41) having a step (d) and a second surface (42) . When a ferrule terminal (18) is inserted, an abutting portion (44) of electrical wire insertion holes (21) and (24) abuts with a tapered surface (19) of a collar portion (17) to inhibit further insertion. The height of the step (d) is set such that, in this state, a proximal end of the collar portion (17) is located between the first surface (41) and the second surface (42).