Modular Connection Block Strip Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modular connection blocks face limitations in flexibility and design, as the holding frame determines the type and number of connection housings that can be used, restricting the formation of connection blocks with varying numbers of modules and requiring coordinated design of individual modules for geometric compatibility.

Innovation Solution

The use of a strip-shaped connecting element with mutually spaced connecting sections allows for a frame-free connection of connection housings, enabling any number of modules to be combined without geometric restrictions, with each connection housing assigned to a specific section for form-fitting or force-fitting connection, and the length of the strip-shaped connecting element can be adapted by cutting to accommodate different numbers of modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a holding frame is used to connect connection housings, then the connection block provides structural stability, but the holding frame determines the type and number of connection housings that can be used, restricting design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame is segmented into multiple individual connecting elements, each capable of independently connecting to connection housings. This segmentation allows the connecting elements to be selectively used and arranged to accommodate different numbers and types of connection housings, providing both structural stability and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements are designed with universal compatibility to work with different types of connection housings. Each connecting element can connect to various connection housing configurations, allowing the same connecting element design to serve multiple functions and accommodate diverse connection block configurations.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If connection housings are coordinated in design for geometric compatibility, then they can be assembled together, but this results in geometric restrictions in the design or spacing of the connection housings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection housings are designed with localized connection features at specific positions, while the overall geometry and spacing of the housings can vary freely. This allows each housing to have the necessary connection capability at its connection point without constraining the global design and spacing arrangements of the connection housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a closed holding frame is used to secure connection housings, then the connection block is stable, but the length of the holding frame must be precisely adapted to the number of connection modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection block stabilityVSAvoidlength adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection block structure transitions from a fixed, closed holding frame to a dynamic configuration using individual connecting elements. These elements can be selectively applied to connect different numbers of connection housings, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to various configurations without requiring precise pre-adaptation of the entire frame length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3685476B1Modular connection block
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3685476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3685476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3685476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Abstract The invention relates to a modular connection block (2, 2') with a plurality of electrical connection modules (4) for conductor connection to an electronic component (66), wherein the connection modules (4) each have a 5 connection housing (10) which are held together in a grouping (14) by holding means (12). The holding means (12) have at least one strip-like connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58), by means of which the connection housings (10) are connected, wherein the connection housings (10) are arranged next to one another along the strip-like connecting element (16, 18, 56, 58) in a 10 row arrangement (20, 20', 20'').