Modular Terminal Row Segmentation for Custom Electronic Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and diversity of requirements for electronic devices lead to the need for specific, custom-designed connection rows for each electronic component, increasing production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular connection row system composed of multiple basic housings that can be combined in various configurations to match specific requirements, using preassembled, differently designed basic housings that can be attached along a row direction to form a connection line suitable for different electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom-designed terminal blocks are manufactured for each specific electronic component, then the terminal block can be precisely adapted to the electronic component's requirements, but the production complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to electronic component requirementsVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is divided into multiple individual terminal segments that can be produced separately and then connected together. Each segment can be standardized and mass-produced, then combined in different configurations to suit various electronic component requirements, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal segments are designed with universal connection features (such as standardized connection lines and coupling elements) that allow the same basic segments to be used across different terminal block configurations. This enables a limited set of standardized segments to serve multiple functions and adapt to various electronic component requirements without requiring custom designs for each application.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different cover plates or dedicated components are manufactured for each terminal block configuration, then the terminal block can be customized for specific applications, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization for specific applicationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate function is merged with the terminal segments themselves. The terminal segments are designed to be connected directly to one another through their coupling elements, forming a continuous cover structure without requiring separate cover plates. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated cover components while maintaining the ability to create customized terminal block configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal segments serve dual functions: they provide both the electrical connection functionality and the protective cover plate functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cover plate components, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled while still providing application-specific customization through different segment combinations.

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

3Reliability

If terminal blocks are designed with specific configurations for different electronic components, then the connection requirements can be precisely met, but the production time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the terminal block into standardized, pre-fabricated units with reliable connection features, the system can quickly assemble various configurations to meet different connection requirements without requiring time-consuming custom design and manufacturing for each application, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3063833B1Terminal row for a terminal device and method for making a terminal row for a terminal device
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3063833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3063833B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3063833B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7B

AI summary

A terminal row for a terminal device, which can be attached to an electronics housing in an insertion direction and which can be connected to an electronic component that is to be accommodated in the electronics housing, has a predetermined number of single electrical conductors or connectors connected thereto to produce a connection between the single electrical conductors or connectors and the electronic component. The terminal row includes a plurality of main housings, at least two of the plurality of main housings being different, wherein the main housings are separate from one another in a pre-assembly state and configured to be attached to one another in a row direction to form the terminal row.