Flexible Leg Terminal Marker for Secure Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal block markers with adhesive labels face issues of poor adhesion due to irregular terminal block surfaces, leading to unintended removal and identification challenges, and require specialized printing systems and software.
Innovation Solution
A terminal marker with flexible legs made of elastic materials like thermoplastic polyurethane, which can compress for printing in standard roll-fed thermal transfer printers and return to an angled installed state for secure attachment, ensuring consistent adhesion and compatibility with standard labeling practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive backed labels are affixed to terminal blocks, then identification is provided, but adhesion is poor due to irregular surfaces leading to unintended removal
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal marker uses flexible legs made of elastomeric material that can be compressed during printing and then expand to engage with the terminal block. This flexibility allows the marker to conform to irregular surfaces and maintain secure engagement, solving the adhesion reliability problem while remaining compatible with standard printing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal marker transitions from a compressed state during printing to an expanded state during installation. The legs are compressed inward during the printing process to fit through the printer, then expand outward after printing to engage with the terminal block openings, providing secure attachment without requiring specialized printing systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If specialized printing systems are used for terminal markers, then printing functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and operator training is required
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal marker is designed to be printed using standard roll-fed thermal transfer printers that are already commonly used in the industry. By making the marker compatible with existing universal printing equipment rather than requiring specialized systems, the invention simplifies the overall process and eliminates the need for additional operator training while maintaining full printing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible legs are compressed for printing, then compatibility with standard printers is achieved, but printing precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal marker is pre-configured with legs that can be compressed inward before the printing process. This preliminary compression allows the marker to fit through standard printers without requiring modification of the printing equipment. After printing, the legs return to their original position, ensuring the printed legend remains precise and legible.
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 flexible legs enable secure, consistent printing and attachment to terminal blocks, improving adhesion and compatibility with standard printing systems, reducing production costs and simplifying the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible legs of the terminal marker bend to the compressed state to accommodate printing, and thereafter return to the natural installed state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a terminal marker used to identify a terminal block. The terminal marker includes a front having a print surface, a back, sides, and flexible legs. The flexible legs can be positioned in a natural state for installation in the terminal block or a compressed state for obtaining a marking from a printer. In the natural state, the flexible legs extend at an angle with respect to the print surface of the terminal marker. In the compressed state, the flexible legs extend outward beyond of the sides of the terminal marker.