Oblique Terminal Posts for Compact Instrument Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test and calibration instruments with closely arranged terminal posts face difficulties in connector attachment due to space constraints, leading to premature wire wear and potential electrical contact issues.
Innovation Solution
The terminal posts are positioned at an angle relative to the instrument's surface, allowing for closer spacing and easier connector attachment, with beveled rear surfaces mounted on a circuit board to determine the angle of projection, and optionally adjustable for directional adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If terminal posts are arranged in close proximity to save space, then the instrument panel space utilization is improved, but connector attachment becomes difficult and wire wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal post is oriented at an oblique angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the panel surface instead of being perpendicular to it. This angular orientation changes the spatial dimension of wire routing, allowing wires to extend in a direction that clears adjacent terminal posts, thereby enabling closer terminal post spacing while maintaining ease of connector attachment and reducing wire strain
2Area of stationary object
If terminal posts are arranged in close proximity, then space is saved, but wire strain increases causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the terminal post at an oblique angle to the panel surface, the wire routing path is redirected into a different spatial dimension that clears adjacent terminal posts. This eliminates the need for wires to bend sharply around closely spaced perpendicular terminals, reducing mechanical strain and preventing premature wire wear while maintaining compact panel layout
3Area of stationary object
If terminal posts are arranged in close proximity, then space is saved, but unwanted electrical contact between adjacent terminals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique orientation of terminal posts at angles such as 45 degrees relative to the panel surface redirects wire paths into a different spatial dimension. This angular arrangement creates effective clearance between adjacent terminal posts, preventing unwanted electrical contact or short circuits while allowing terminal posts to be positioned closer together for better space utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an instrument having at least one terminal post having a longitudinal axis extending therefrom such that the longitudinal axis is at an oblique angle relative to a surface of the instrument. In one embodiment, each terminal post is mounted to a circuit board such that a first surface of each terminal post projects in a first direction. In this embodiment, a rear surface of each terminal post is beveled and coupled to a first surface of the circuit board. The beveled rear surface of the terminal posts defines the oblique angle at which the longitudinal axis of the each terminal post is relative to a surface of the instrument.