Low-Profile Contact Block Layout for Full Stackability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-profile electrical contact blocks are not fully stackable, limiting their use as modules in applications like push button assemblies, as they cannot be used as upper or intermediate members in a contact block stack.
Innovation Solution
The housing's bottom side is configured as a connection interface with an entrance, allowing the actuation head of a lower contact block to be inserted into an upper contact block, and the return spring is positioned centrally within the clearance, leaving space for the actuation head to be received, enabling easy stacking and cooperation between contact blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the contact block is designed with a low profile, then the height is reduced, but the contact block cannot be fully stackable
Solution Approach 1:
The contact block is divided into functional zones within the clearance: a central zone for the return spring and a peripheral zone for receiving actuation heads. This segmentation allows the limited clearance space to serve multiple purposes, enabling stackability without increasing height.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the peripheral region of the clearance (moving from a purely vertical dimension to including radial/dimensional space) to receive actuation heads from stacked contact blocks, allowing stacking functionality without increasing the height dimension.
2Force
If the return spring occupies the entire clearance, then the spring can effectively bias the pusher, but no space remains for receiving actuation heads from stacked blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance is segmented into a central region occupied by the return spring and a peripheral region available for receiving actuation heads. This spatial segmentation allows both the spring to maintain its biasing function and the contact block to be stackable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the clearance have different functions: the central region provides spring accommodation for mechanical biasing, while the peripheral region provides receiving space for actuation heads from stacked blocks. Each region is optimized for its specific purpose.
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 allows for the creation of a fully stackable low-profile electrical contact block, enabling the assembly of multiple contact blocks into a control device like an emergency stop pushbutton assembly, while maintaining a low profile and adhering to industry safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (114) biasing the actuation pusher (112) towards its resting position
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable electrical contact block includes a housing, the housing having a top and bottom side and accommodating a first and second electrical terminal, an actuation pusher adapted to move from a resting position to an actuated position to break the contact between the first and second terminals, the actuation pusher having a head protruding from the top side, a clearance below the actuation pusher, and a return spring biasing the actuation pusher towards its resting position, a bottom end of the return spring extending into the clearance. The housing's bottom side is a connection interface with an entrance providing access to the clearance. A central part of the clearance is taken up by the bottom end of the return spring, and a peripheral part is a space for receiving the actuation head of a component connected to the contact block via the connection interface.