Inverter Terminal Block Vibration Absorption via Segmented Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal blocks used in integrating inverter and motor systems are prone to damage from vibration, and they lack effective waterproof and oilproof properties, especially under conditions of assembly tolerances and exposure to water.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring separate upper and lower bases with interposed waterproof and elastic members, utilizing braided wires for flexible connections and rubber stoppers for enhanced sealing, which absorbs vibrations and prevents water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional terminal block with rigid bus bar members is used to ensure electrical continuity, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the terminal block becomes susceptible to vibration damage and deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is divided into an upper base and a lower base that can relatively move with respect to each other. This segmentation allows each base to independently absorb vibration from its respective device (inverter or motor), preventing rigid stress transmission that would cause deformation while maintaining electrical continuity through the flexible connection between bases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the electrical connection by replacing rigid bus bar members with flexible conductive members (such as braided wires). This parameter change allows the terminal block to accommodate vibration and movement while maintaining reliable electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and vibration resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate inverter case and motor case are assembled with connecting conductors, then manufacturing ease and cost reduction are achieved, but vibration phase difference damages the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is designed as a separate integrated unit that combines the connection functions for both inverter and motor sides. This segmentation allows the terminal block to be manufactured independently and then installed as a single unit, maintaining the manufacturing advantages of separate assembly while eliminating connector damage through its vibration-absorbing flexible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conductive members act as intermediaries between the upper and lower bases, allowing relative movement and vibration absorption while maintaining electrical connection. This intermediary mechanism protects the connection system from vibration damage while preserving the benefits of separate device assembly.
3Reliability
If rigid bus bar members are used in the terminal block, then electrical continuity is ensured, but the sealing performance decreases due to deformation from long-term vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and flexibility parameters of the conductive elements by using flexible conductive members instead of rigid bus bars. This allows the terminal block to maintain electrical continuity while accommodating vibration-induced movements, preventing deformation that would compromise sealing performance and waterproof/oilproof properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block employs dynamic, flexible conductive members that can adapt their shape and position in response to vibration, rather than rigid elements that resist deformation. This dynamic approach maintains electrical continuity under varying conditions while preserving the integrity of sealing structures.
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 terminal block effectively resists vibration and maintains waterproof and oilproof properties, preventing damage and water entry even under harsh conditions, ensuring reliable electrical connections in integrated inverter and motor systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member 60 having waterproof properties is interposed between the upper base 10U and the lower base 10D
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof rubber stopper 40 is interposed between the lower base 10D and the motor case 100
Implementation Method 3
a waterproof rubber stopper 40 is interposed between the lower base 10D and the motor case 100
Implementation Method 4
the inverter side terminal 20T is connected to the motor side terminal 20M by a flexible conductive member 20H
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a terminal block without being damaged when placed under vibration, the terminal block in which even if a vehicle is submerged in water, the water does not enter the inside of the terminal block. In a terminal block 10 which is interposed between a motor case 100 and an inverter case 200 placed in the motor case 100 and connects a motor input terminal to an inverter output terminal, an upper base 10U for accommodating an inverter side connecting terminal 20T connected to the inverter output terminal is fixed to the inverter case 200, and a lower base 10D for accommodating a motor side connecting terminal 20M is fixed to the motor case 100, and a waterproof and elastic member 60 is interposed between the upper base 10U and the lower base 10D and the motor side connecting terminal 20M is connected to the inverter side connecting terminal 20T by a flexible conductive member (a braided wire) 20H.