Indexable Terminal Retainer Anti-Rotation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular wiring systems for commercial and retail spaces require simpler and more flexible designs to facilitate easy modification and rewiring, but existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for configuring and locking terminal retainers in various orientations within plug and receptacle holders.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an indexable terminal retainer with a locking mechanism, such as radial protrusions or anti-rotation ribs, allows for detachable and rotatable installation in multiple orientations within retainer-receiving holders, enabling various plug and receptacle configurations without rotation, and facilitating interchangeable terminal retainers for different types of electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminal retainers are made detachable and rotatable for multiple orientations, then adaptability and ease of configuration are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal retainer is divided into separate components: a retainer body that holds the terminal and a locking member that engages with the holder. This segmentation allows the retainer to be detached and repositioned while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer body is designed to be rotatable within the holder to multiple orientations before being locked into place. The locking member engages with corresponding features in the holder to secure the retainer at the desired orientation, providing both mobility and stability.
2Ease of operation
If modular wiring systems use simple designs for ease of assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and corresponding holder features are designed with asymmetric geometries that guide the retainer body into precise angular positions. The anti-rotation ribs or radial protrusions engage with complementary grooves or surfaces at specific orientations, ensuring accurate positioning without complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If terminal retainers are designed for quick interchangeability, then productivity is improved, but reliability may be reduced due to potential assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the retainer body is inserted into the holder at the correct orientation. The anti-rotation ribs or radial protrusions self-align with the holder features and lock into place without requiring additional manual operations, ensuring both speed and correctness of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An indexable terminal retainer for a modular wiring system includes a retainer body that retains a terminal, the retainer body being dimensioned to fit within a retainer-receiving holder of a plug or receptacle. The indexable terminal retainer further includes a locking member for locking the retainer body to the retainer-receiving holder to prevent rotation of the retainer body within the retainer-receiving holder.