Lateral Elastic Handles for Compact Terminal Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks with elastic handles placed at the insertion opening increase the overall height of the device, leading to space and cost inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring lateral elastic handles integrated into the side opening of the insulation base, allowing the conducting terminal structure and spring plate to be combined within the base, with the resilience arm fixed to the base, enabling the clamping portion to press the spring plate without increasing the device's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic handles are placed at the insertion opening of the terminal block, then the elastic handles can press the spring plate to facilitate cable insertion, but the overall height of the terminal block increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic handle is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (at the insertion opening) to a lateral arrangement (at the side opening). The resilience arm extends laterally from the insulation base to the side opening, changing the spatial dimension from vertical to horizontal, thereby reducing the overall height while maintaining the pressing function on the spring plate
2Ease of operation
If elastic handles are placed at the insertion opening, then the handles can perform the pressing function, but the device occupies more space and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the elastic handle to the lateral side opening and reorienting the resilience arm horizontally, the design reduces the vertical space requirement. This dimensional change allows the terminal block to occupy less overall space while preserving the operational function of facilitating cable insertion
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
This design reduces the overall height of the terminal block, enhances practicality by allowing multiple handles to be formed and connected integrally, and maintains functionality for cable insertion and electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
one end of the abutting section is abutted against the stopping plate elastically
Implementation Method 2
the clamping portion is movably disposed at the side opening and is capable of pressing the abutting section
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block has an insertion opening (101) and an exit opening (102) disposed at opposite sides of the insulation base (10). A side opening (103) is located at an outer surface of the insulation base (10) between the insertion opening (101) and the exit opening (102). A conducting terminal structure (20) includes a first conductive sheet (21) and a second conductive sheet (22) connected to the first conductive sheet (21). The first conductive sheet (21) is extended with a stopping plate (211). A spring plate (30) includes an abutting section (31) abutted against the stopping plate (211) elastically. An elastic handle includes a clamping portion (41) and a resilience arm (42). The resilience arm (42) is fixed to the insulation base (10), and the clamping portion (41) presses the abutting section (31). Thereby, the height of the terminal block can be reduced for saving space and cost.