Folded Terminal Block Structure for Positional Displacement Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal blocks require a significant length of braided wire to absorb positional displacement of conductive members, leading to increased size and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block design featuring a terminal body with a bent conductive material, including plate portions and coupling portions, allowing for deformation to absorb positional displacement without increasing size, achieved through a method of bending a belt-like material into a flat spiral shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a braided wire is used to absorb positional displacement of conductive members, then the terminal block can accommodate misalignment, but the length of the braided wire increases the overall size of the terminal block

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to absorb positional displacementVSAvoidsize of terminal block
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal body transitions from a linear braided wire structure to a multi-dimensional folded plate structure with first, second, and third plate portions arranged in different spatial planes. This dimensional transformation allows the terminal to absorb displacement in multiple directions while maintaining a compact footprint, as the folded structure can deform through angular changes rather than requiring extended linear length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal body's plate portions are folded and nested within each other, with the first plate portion connected to the second, and the second to the third, creating a compact nested arrangement. This nesting allows the terminal to maintain a small overall size while the nested structure can expand and deform to accommodate positional displacement of conductive members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a braided wire is used to allow movement of terminals, then positional displacement can be absorbed, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to absorb positional displacementVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal body merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated folded structure. The first, second, and third plate portions are all part of one continuous terminal body made from a single belt-like conductive material, eliminating the need for separate braided wire components and multiple assembly steps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the displacement absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal body incorporates dynamic flexibility through its folded plate structure, which can deform elastically to accommodate positional displacement. The coupling portions between plate portions allow angular deformation, enabling the terminal to adapt dynamically to misalignment without requiring complex mechanical joints or additional movable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the terminal body is made from a single belt-like material bent into a spiral shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but the structural precision required for proper deformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidbending precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal body is segmented into distinct functional regions (first plate portion, second plate portion, third plate portion, and coupling portions) that are formed in sequence during the bending process. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified manufacturing process from a single belt-like material, balancing manufacturing simplicity with structural precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively reduces the size of the terminal block while maintaining the ability to absorb positional displacement, ensuring reliable electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

the terminal body includes a first plate portion parallel with a plane perpendicular to a first axis... a first coupling portion connecting one end portion of the first plate portion in a direction along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis to one end portion of the second plate portion in the direction along the second axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240421513A1Terminal block and method for producing terminal body
Publication Date: 2024.12.19 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • US20240421513A1 patent drawing
  • US20240421513A1 patent drawing
  • US20240421513A1 patent drawing

AI summary

To implement a terminal block that contributes to reducing the size of the terminal block. A terminal block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal body that includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion disposed to overlap the first plate portion, a first coupling portion connecting one end portion of the first plate portion to one end portion of the second plate portion, a third plate portion disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, a second coupling portion connecting the other end portion of the first plate portion to one end portion of the third plate portion, and a penetrating hole formed in the first plate portion. A first conductive member is electrically connected to the third plate portion via the penetrating hole.