Junction Box Connection Terminals for Contactor Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing junction boxes are cumbersome for installation and cable connection due to the need to route resistance wires over them, complicating the fastening and installation process.

Innovation Solution

A junction box design featuring a first connection end for the contactor and a second connection end for the resistance wire, allowing the resistance wire to be connected without passing over the box, with extension parts facilitating secure assembly and cable accommodation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If resistance wires are routed over the junction box, then connection is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and fastening is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces connection terminals as intermediary elements that mediate between the resistance wires and the junction box. These terminals provide dedicated connection points, eliminating the need to route wires over the box surface. The terminals act as a mediator that simplifies the connection process while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The junction box is segmented into distinct functional areas: a main body for cable entry, connection terminals for wire connections, and mounting features for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with terminals handling electrical connections separately from the main box structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are provided, then connection flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection terminals serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection points for resistance wires, act as mounting elements for securing the junction box, and offer structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining connection flexibility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the connection terminal function with the mounting function. The same terminals that facilitate electrical connections also serve as attachment points for fixing the junction box to the contactor, combining multiple functions into a single structural element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2874167B1Junction box and contactor device
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2874167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2874167B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2874167B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electrical junction box includes a casing (120, 220), a first installation space (1282, 2212), a second installation space (1225, 2232), and a connection part (150, 250) arranged in the casing; the connection part includes a main body (152, 252), a first connection end (153, 253), and a second connection end (155, 255); the main body is used for connecting to a cable (40); the first connection end is connected to the main body, is located in the first installation space, and is used for connecting to a contactor (20); and the second connection end is arranged on the first connection end, is located in the second installation space, and may be used for connecting to a resistance wire. The resistance wire may be connected to the second connection end without passing over the junction box, which is not only advantageous for fastening and installing the junction box, but also facilitates the connection and installation of the cable.