Grounding Adapter for Distributor Block Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributor blocks require complete replacement for higher packing density, which is costly and laborious, and lack a cost-effective way to integrate distributor connection modules with plug-in channels into existing infrastructure, as well as a grounding adapter for such systems.

Innovation Solution

A distributor block with a mounting trough and plug-in channels, equipped with grounding adapters featuring a contact tongue and clamping element, allowing integration of distributor connection modules into existing mounting troughs, enabling cost savings and mixed block configurations, with the clamping element providing both mechanical and electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If distributor blocks are replaced to achieve higher packing density, then the packing density is improved, but the cost and labor required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking densityVSAvoidcost and labor
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding adapter is divided into separate functional components: a contact tongue for electrical connection, a clamping element for mechanical attachment, and retaining elements for positioning. This segmentation allows the adapter to be manufactured independently and attached to existing distributor blocks, achieving high packing density without replacing entire systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding function is extracted as a separate adapter component that can be added to existing distributor blocks. This extraction allows the grounding capability to be integrated without replacing the entire distributor block, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while achieving improved packing density through modular enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing mounting troughs are used with new distributor connection modules, then cost savings are achieved, but a grounding solution is required for compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost savingsVSAvoidgrounding compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding adapter is designed with universal applicability to existing mounting troughs and distributor connection modules. The clamping element can attach to the mounting trough structure, while the contact tongue provides electrical grounding capability. This multi-functional design enables the adapter to work with existing infrastructure, achieving both cost savings and grounding compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding adapter acts as an intermediary component between the existing mounting trough and the new distributor connection modules. It bridges the compatibility gap by providing the necessary grounding connection without requiring modification of the existing mounting trough or complete replacement of the distributor block system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If grounding adapters are added to distributor connection modules, then electrical grounding is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding adapter merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the clamping element provides mechanical attachment to the mounting trough, the contact tongue establishes electrical grounding, and the retaining elements ensure proper positioning. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving reliable electrical grounding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding adapter is designed as a self-contained component that attaches to and enhances the distributor connection module without requiring external grounding infrastructure or complex installation procedures. The clamping element self-attaches to the mounting trough, and the contact tongue automatically establishes the grounding connection, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable grounding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3084892B1Distributor block and grounding adapter
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3084892B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3084892B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3084892B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a distributor block (50) for telecommunication and data technology. The distributor block has a support system in the form of a fitting basin (40) with two lateral walls (42), a rear wall (41), and at least one distributor attachment module (30), said distributor attachment module (30) having plug-in channels. Each of the lateral surfaces (42) of the fitting basin (40) has at least one row of rectangular openings (44), and the lateral face (42) end faces (45) facing away from the rear wall (41) are straight. Each distributor attachment module (30) is provided with two grounding adapters (10), and each grounding adapter (10) has a contact tongue (11) and a clamping element (13). The contact tongue (11) is guided in one of the plug-in channels of the distributor attachment module (30), and the clamping element (13) is clamped in one of the rectangular openings (44) of one of the lateral walls (42). The invention also relates to a grounding adapter (10).