Modular Terminal Pivot Axis Inversion for Compact Busbar Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks require large operating angles and significant space for safe separation of busbar sections, making them less user-friendly and more cumbersome than desired, especially in compact applications.
Innovation Solution
The terminal block design features a pivot axis for the isolating blade between upper and lower contact areas, with the blade angled such that both ends of the busbar sections are separated from their respective contact areas in the second position, reducing the required operating angle and space, and includes an insulating housing for simplified assembly and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the isolating blade is mounted with its lower end in a receptacle requiring large actuation angle for safe isolation, then reliable electrical isolation is achieved, but the terminal block requires relatively large dimensions and the actuation becomes less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pivot axis from the lower end to the upper end of the isolating blade, effectively changing the dimensional reference point for rotation. This dimensional shift allows the blade to achieve the required isolating distance with a reduced actuation angle, making the terminal block more compact and easier to operate while maintaining reliable electrical isolation between busbar sections
2Adaptability or versatility
If a contact disc is used for the separation point to enable connection or separation of busbar sections, then switching functionality is achieved, but the terminal block has relatively large dimensions and requires large operating angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by positioning the pivot axis at the upper end of the isolating blade rather than at the lower end. This inversion allows the blade to pivot in a manner that achieves the required isolation with a smaller operating angle, reducing the terminal block dimensions while maintaining full switching functionality for connecting or separating busbar sections
3Reliability
If the isolating blade is designed to ensure sufficient isolating distance between blade and busbar end, then safe separation is achieved, but a relatively large actuation angle is required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pivot point from the lower end to the upper end of the isolating blade, the patent creates a more efficient rotational geometry. This dimensional change in the pivot location allows the blade to achieve the required isolating distance with a smaller arc of rotation, thereby reducing the actuation angle needed while maintaining safe separation between the blade and busbar end
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular terminal is described that comprises a terminal housing (2), a busbar composed of two sections (3, 4), two terminal elements (5, 6) for connecting a conductor to each section (3, 4) of the busbar, and an isolating blade (8) which is pivotally mounted in the terminal housing (2). The two sections (3, 4) are interconnected in a first position of the isolating blade (8) while being disconnected from each other in a second position of the isolating blade (8). The ends (9, 10) of the sections (3, 4) of the busbar which face away from the terminal elements (5, 6) are bent in such a way that the end (8) of the first section (3) of the busbar contacts the isolating blade (8) in an upper contact zone (11) while the end (9) of the second section (4) of the busbar contacts the isolating blade (8) in a lower contact zone (12) in the first position of the isolating blade (8).