Pivoting Electrical Terminal Mount for Tool-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminals lack ease of handling and flexibility in adjusting the alignment of the sensor or terminal devices, requiring complex and cumbersome adjustments to change the alignment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided housing with a basic element and a head element, connected via a rotary bearing unit with a spring element, allowing the basic element to pivot about an axis of rotation, enabling intuitive adjustment of the terminal's alignment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed alignment holder is used for electrical terminals, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability of alignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed alignment structure into a dynamic, adjustable one. The basic element is made pivotable relative to the mounting element through a rotary bearing unit, allowing the terminal to be adjusted to different alignment positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling alignment adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate mounting plates and fastening means are provided for alignment adjustment, then the alignment adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function and alignment adjustment function into a single integrated structure. The mounting element incorporates the rotary bearing unit directly, eliminating the need for separate mounting plates and fastening means. The basic element can be directly mounted and adjusted by pivoting it relative to the mounting element, simplifying both the component structure and the handling process. This resolves the contradiction by reducing component complexity while maintaining alignment adaptability and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the basic element is made pivotable for alignment adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical terminal into distinct functional elements: the mounting element (with mounting body and bearing surface), the basic element (with foot surface), and the rotary bearing unit (with axis of rotation). This modular segmentation allows the pivotable connection to be achieved through a simple, standardized rotary bearing interface rather than a complex integrated mechanism. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling alignment adjustability through a simple, modular mechanical connection.
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
Facilitates easy and flexible alignment changes of the terminal, reducing mechanical parts and eliminating the need for separate holders, while maintaining a secure and vibration-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary bearing unit comprises a spring element and is formed and mounted in such a way that a spring force acts on the foot surface in the direction of the bearing surface and/or the contact plane by means of the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical terminal has a multi-sided housing with a basic element and includes at least two rear sides and a head element. The head element is designed as a detection and/or functional element and includes a detection and/or functional side. A mounting element has a mounting body with at least two side surfaces, a base side and an inner wall, and two rear sides. The mounting element and/or the mounting body is connected to the basic element via a rotary bearing unit, which has an axis of rotation, wherein the basic element is pivotable about the axis of rotation, and the basic element has a single- or multi-part foot surface, and the mounting element and/or the mounting body has a single- or multi-part bearing surface. The foot surface and the bearing surface lie against each other at least with a partial area in an inoperative position of the basic element.